of less importance, like a journey, a task, a visit, were 
     equally attended by a thousand formalities: benedictions, 
     ceremonies, formulae.
          Calamities and indigence were more afflicting than 
     at present; it was more difficult to guard against them, 
     and to find solace. Illness and health presented a more 
     striking contrast; the cold and darkness of winter were 
     more real evils. Honors and riches were relished with 
     greater avidity and contrasted more vividly with 
     surrounding misery. We, at the present day, can hardly 
     understand the keenness with which a fur coat, a good 
     fire on the hearth, a soft bed, a glass of wine, were 
     formerly enjoyed.
          Then, again, all things in life were of a proud or cruel 
     publicity. Lepers sounded their rattles and went about in 
     processions, beggars exhibited their deformity and their