Momus was about to congratulate Prometheus on the good effects of civilisation, and the happiness that seemed to be inseparable from human life. He wished also to remind him that no animal except man voluntarily killed itself, or was impelled by feelings of despair to take the life of its own offspring. But Prometheus anticipated him, and paid the bet at once, without visiting the two remaining parts of the world. [Footnote 1: See Robertson's _Hist. of America_, Book VI.] [Footnote 2: A fact.] _DIALOGUE BETWEEN A NATURAL PHILOSOPHER AND A METAPHYSICIAN_ _Natural Philosopher_. Eureka! Eureka! _Metaphysician_. What is it? What have you found? _Nat. Phil._ The art of long life.[1] _Met_. And the book that you carry? _Nat. Phil_. Explains my theory. This invention of mine will give me eternal life. Others may live long, but I shall live for ever. I mean that I shall acquire immortal fame. _Met_. Follow my advice. Get a leaden casket; enclose therein your book; bury it; and leave in your will directions where it may be found, with instructions to your heirs not to exhume the book until they shall have discovered the art of living a happy life. _Nat. Phil_. And meanwhile? _Met_. Meanwhile your invention will be good for nothing. It were far better if it taught the art of living briefly. _Nat. Phil_. That has already been known a long time. The discovery was not a difficult one. _Met_. At any rate I prefer it to yours. _Nat Phil_. Why? _Met_. Because if life be not happy, as hitherto it has not been, it were better to endure a short term of it than a long one. _Nat. Phil_. No, no. I differ from you. Life is a good in itself, and is naturally desired and loved by every one.