At last we come to the end of “Democritus Junior to the Reader.” After over one hundred pages of introduction, what parting thoughts does Burton have for us before embarking on the real book?
I have overshot myself, I have spoken foolishly, rashly, unadvisedly, absurdly, I have anatomized mine own folly. And now methinks upon a sudden I am awaked as it were out of a dream; I have had a raving fit, a fantastical fit, ranged up and down, in and out, I have insulted over the most kind of men, abused some, offended others, wronged myself; and now being recovered, and perceiving mine error, cry with Orlando, Solvite me, pardon, O boni [good friends] that which is past, and I will make you amends in that which is to come; I promise you a more sober discourse in my following treatise. (122)
Would you like the TLDR version of these 123 pages? Here you go:
YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S MELANCHOLIC? I WILL TELL YOU WHAT’S MELANCHOLIC. YOUR FACE. AND THE WORLD. EVEN THE VEGETALS. AND DEFINITELY INCOME INEQUALITY AND MONOPOLIES. OOPS SORRY /RANT.
You really should read all 123 pages though. This is the most beautiful, hilarious, insightful rant against humanity that I have ever read or could ever conceive of reading. Mind blown. As someone who is very tired, I have to say that Burton’s energy is amazing. Every word on the page is exploding with futile fist-shaking.
I couldn’t really think of anything to draw for this section, so I drew this melancholic comic instead.
This post is part of a long, tedious, and illustrated read-along of Robert Burton’s The Anatomy of Melancholy – more info here and follow along on Facebook here.