Samuel Johnson on Gold

“The lust of gold succeeds the rage of conquest; The lust of gold, unfeeling and remorseless! The last corruption of degenerate man.”

“But scarce observ'd the Knowing and the Bold, Fall in the gen'ral Massacre of Gold; Wide-wasting Pest! that rages unconfin'd, And crouds with Crimes the Records of Mankind, For Gold his Sword the Hireling Ruffian draws, For Gold the hireling Judge distorts the laws; Wealth heap'd on Wealth, nor truth nor Safety buys, The Dangers gather as the Treasures rise.”