Each
hour was only a signal to cast off some covering, or shift his
position. It was, at length, morning. With a feeling that he
should go mad if he remained any longer in bed, he rose, and
paced his chamber. The air refreshed him. He threw himself on
the floor, the cold crept over his senses, and he slept.'[13]
[13] 'The Young Duke,' by B. Disraeli, chapter VIII. This
gambling is the turning-point in the young duke's career; he
proves himself at length not unworthy of his noble ancestry arm
his high hereditary position,--takes his place in the Senate, and
weds the maiden of his love.
CHAPTER IV.
ATROCITIES, DUELS, SUICIDES, AND EXECUTION OF GAMBLERS.
The history of all nations is but the record of their cupidity;
and when the fury of gaming appears on the scene, it has never
failed to double the insolence and atrocities of tyranny.
The atrocious gambling of the Hindoo Rajas has been related;[14]
and I have incidentally adverted to similar concomitants of the
vice among all nations. I now propose to bring together a series
of facts specially elucidative of the harrowing theme.
[14] Chapter II.
One of the Ptolemys, kings of Egypt, required all causes to be
submitted to him whilst at play, and pronounced even sentence of
death according to chance.
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