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MAXIME CCLXIII.
Many things that serve for pleasure, ought not to be peculiar.
One enjoys more of what is another's, than of what belongs to himself. The first day is for the Master, and all the rest for Strangers. One doubly enjoys what belongs to others, that's to say, not onely without fear of loss, but also with the pleasure of Novelty. Privation makes every thing better. The water of another man's Well is as delicious as Nectar. Besides that possession lessens the pleasure of enjoyment, it augments the trouble, whether in lending, or in not lending. It serves onely to preserve things for another: and over and above, the number of the discontented is always greater, than of the thankfull.