Here I am, proud as Greek god, and yet standing debtor to this blockhead for a bone to stand on! Cursed be that mortal inter-indebtedness which will not do away with ledgers. I would be free as air; and I'm down in the whole world's books. I am so rich, I could have given bid for bid with the wealthiest Praetorians at the auction of the Roman empire {which was the world's}; and yet I owe for the flesh in the tongue I brag with. By heavens! I'll get a crucible, and into it, and dissolve myself down to one small, compendious vertebra.
The quote reflects a profound sense of irony and frustration regarding debt and materialism. The speaker, feeling powerful and wealthy, acknowledges a paradox where despite their immense riches comparable to the wealthiest individuals of ancient Rome, they are still beholden to someone for something as basic as their own existence. This highlights the burdens of financial obligations that weigh them down, constraining their freedom and pride.
The imagery of wanting to dissolve oneself to a mere vertebra symbolizes a desire to escape the complexities and entanglements of life, including the societal pressures tied to wealth. The speaker yearns for liberation from the burdens of debt and the expectations that come with it, emphasizing a battle between self-worth and societal constraints. This notion resonates deeply, illustrating how the pursuit of wealth can ironically lead to dependence and loss of autonomy.
