t it be what
it may, is to be ascribed to the pain of ennui. When the mind gnaws upon
itself, we have ennui; the course which is pursued to call the mind from
this self-destructive process, is to be ascribed to the influence of
that passion.

Are our definitions indistinct? Let us attempt illustration. When the
several powers and affections of man are, in the usual course of
existence, called into healthy exercise, on objects sufficient to
interest and satisfy them; this is happiness. When those powers and
affections are exercised by objects sufficient to excite them in their
highest degree, but where, being thus excited, there exists no harmony
between the mind and its pursuits, where the affections are aroused
without being soothed, where the chime is rung, but rung discordantly,
there is misery. Where the powers of the mind are vigorous but
unoccupied; where there exist a restless craving, an inquiet mobility,
yet without any definite purpose or commensurate object, there is ennui.

The state of mind is strongly delineated in the language of the sacred
writer.--

"I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on
the labour that I had laboured to do; and behold all was vanity
and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly;
for what can the man do that cometh after the king? Even that
which hath already been done. Then I saw that wisdom excelleth
folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. The wise man's eyes
are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness; and I
perceived also, that one event happeneth to them all. Then I
said in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth
even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my
heart, that this also is vanity. For there is no remembrance of
the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now
is, in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth
the wise man? As the fool. Therefore, I hated life; because the
work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me; for all
is vanity and vexation of spirit."

Or, to take an example from the earliest monument of Grecian genius.
Achilles, in the pride of youth, engaged in his favourite profession of
arms, making his way to an immortality secured to him by the voice of
his goddess mother, sure to gain the victory in