OF ENVY.
_Envy_ is grief for the prosperity of such as ourselves, arising not
from any hurt that we, but from the good that they receive.
Such as ourselves, I call those that are equal to us in blood, in age,
in abilities, in glory, or in means.
They are apt to _envy_: that are within a little of the highest. And
those that are extraordinarily honoured for some quality that is
singular in them, especially wisdom or good fortune. And such as would
be thought wise. And such as catch at glory in every action. And men of
poor spirits; for every thing appears great to them.
The _things_ which men envy in others are: such as bring glory. And
goods of fortune. And such things as we desire for ourselves. And things
in the possession whereof we exceed others, or they us, a little.
Obnoxious to _envy_ are: men of our own time, of our own country, of our
own age, and competitors of our glory; and therefore, those whom we
strive with for honour. And those that covet the same things that we do.
And those that get quickly, what we hardly obtain, or not at all. And
those that attain unto, or do the things that turn to our reproach, not
being done by us. And those that possess what we have possessed
heretofore; so old and decayed men envy the young and lusty. And those
that have bestowed little, are subject to be envied by such as have
bestowed much upon the same thing.
From the contraries of these may be derived the principles concerning
joy for other men’s hurt.
He therefore that would not have his enemy prevail, when he craves
_pity_ or other favour, must dispose the judge to _envy_; and make his
adversary appear such as are above described to be subject to the _envy_
of others.
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