[The great advantage of being fully adapted to one's situation and
contented with it.]
There are people who cannot hold their heads under the influence of sudden
riches. They immediately begin to degenerate. They have become so used to
humble circumstances that wealth is a curse. Here is a case:
A tramp, for some mysterious reason, had accepted an offer to work about
the place, for which he was to receive his meals, sundry old clothes, and
25 cents a day in cash. For the first two or three days he did very well,
and he was paid 50 cents on account. He did not spend the money, but he
began to grow listless and sad, and at the end of the week he interviewed
his employer.
"You've been very kind to me, sir," he said, "and I want to thank you for
what you have done."
"That's all right," was the reply. "I'm glad to be able to help you."
"I know that, sir, and I appreciate it, but I shall have to give it all up,
sir."
"What's that for? Don't I pay you enough?"
"Oh! yes, sir; that isn't it. I have 75 cents left, sir, but I find that
money doesn't bring happiness, sir, and I guess I'll resign and go back to
the old ways, sir. Wealth is a curse to some people, sir, and I fancy I
belong to that class. Good-bye, sir." And he shambled off down the path and
struck the highway.