Page:The Adventures of David Simple (1904).djvu/319

 for the top of the pinnacle, to attain which he has spent all his time and watched so many anxious nights, is so narrow, and has so small a footing, that he stands in continual danger and fear of falling; for thousands of others, who are just as wise as himself, and imagine the place he stands in the only one they can be happy in, are daily leaving their own firm footing, climbing and catching to pull him down, in order to place themselves in his tottering and, in my opinion, dreadful situation. Or, when the avaricious man has heaped up more money than an arithmetician can easily count, if he would own his restless state of mind to gain yet more, and the perturbation of his thoughts for fear of losing what he has attained, I believe no poor man in his senses would change his situation with him. But I fear I am growing too serious." On which Valentine replied, it was impossible but that what she said must be pleasing to all the company. And David, with a sigh, said he wished all the world would imitate these watermen, and fairly own when they were rowing against each other's interest, and I not treacherously pretend to have an equal desire I of promoting others' good with their own while they are underhand acting to destroy it. As they were talking, on a sudden a boat which passed hastily by them splashed them in such a manner, they were obliged to get into a house, in order to refresh and dry themselves; and during their stay there they heard a doleful crying and dismal lamentation in the next chamber; and sometimes they thought they heard the sound of blows. David, according to his usual method, could not be easy without inquiring what could be the cause of this complaint. Valentine and the rest were also desirous to be informed. On which they agreed to go into the room whence the noise came. There sat at one comer of the room a middle-aged