Page:Four Dissertations - David Hume (1757).djvu/166

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DISSERTATION II.

transition is conformable to the general rules, and passes thro' the male line, from father to son, or from brother to brother.

9. But property, as it gives us the fullest power and authority over any object, is the relation, which has the greatest influence on these passions.

Every thing, belonging to a vain man, is the best that is any where to be found. His houses, equipage, furniture, cloaths, horses, hounds, excel all others in his conceit; and it is easy to observe, that, from the least advantage in any of these, he draws a new subject of pride and vanity. His wine, if you will believe him, has a finer flavour than any other; his cookery is more exquisite; his table more orderly; his servants more expert; the air, in which he lives, more healthful; the soil, which he cultivates, more fertile; his fruits ripen earlier, and in greater perfection: Such a thing is remarkable for it's novelty; such another for it's antiquity: This is the workmanship of a famous artist; that belonged once to such a prince or great man. All objects, in a word, which areuseful,