Page 212 of 2651

We do not reckon our soldiers the most industrious set of people

among us; yet when soldiers have been employed in some particular

sorts of work, and liberally paid by the piece, their officers

have frequently been obliged to stipulate with the undertaker,

that they should not be allowed to earn above a certain sum every

day, according to the rate at which they were paid. Till this

stipulation was made, mutual emulation, and the desire of greater

gain, frequently prompted them to overwork themselves, and to

hurt their health by excessive labour. Excessive application,

during four days of the week, is frequently the real cause of the

idleness of the other three, so much and so loudly complained of.

Great labour, either of mind or body, continued for several days

together is, in most men, naturally followed by a great desire of

relaxation, which, if not restrained by force, or by some strong

necessity, is almost irresistible.