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ctise it as a Virtue, but as an Exercise: [1] They made Prosperity do Pennance sometimes, that they might bear Adversity the better: That they might have nothing New to surprize them; and that the Hardships of Choice might reconcile them to those of Necessity. They had likewise a mind to try how [2] little would satisfy Nature, and how [3] rellishing Hunger could make it. And lastly, they pinch'd now' and then, that they might feast [4] with the better Gust: For [5] sensual Satisfactions are the more welcome, by makinq their Visits seldom: Frequency in this case does but clog the Senses, and make the Appetite grow dull. And therefore feeding constantly upon Delicacies is said to have more of Expence than Pleasure [6] in't. Distance, and Intermission, give a Keenness to Desire: Hunger strengthens [7] the Taste, and doubles the Satisfaction; as Liberty is much sweeter when it rises out of Servitude, and Oppression. This made Socrates pronounce [8] Hunger an admirable Sauce: And as that Philosopher use to say, that by walking himself sharp, [9] he had no occasion to go to the Butcher; for his Loaf would afford him Bread and Meat too, when he was throughly hungry. Just thus Epicurus used to balk himself sometimes and keep his Stomach craving; that he might fall too with
