They just want to pile up and hoard money, and to get it they work almost without eating. Once a coin strays into their clutches, no matter how small, they condemn it to life imprisonment and eternal darkness. In this way, always acquiring and never spending, they're amassing Spain's biggest fortune. They are its strongbox, its vault, its guardians and custodians. They gather everything, hide everything, and swallow everything.
The quote highlights the obsessive nature of certain individuals who, driven by greed, prioritize accumulating wealth over their own well-being. They work tirelessly, neglecting basic needs such as eating, solely focused on increasing their riches. Once they acquire even the smallest amount of money, they treat it as a treasure to be controlled and never released, imprisoning it in their metaphorical vaults.
This behavior leads them to become the guardians of Spain's wealth, hoarding resources and fostering a culture of accumulation instead of investment or spending. Their actions create an image of avarice, where resources are hidden and never enjoyed, suggesting a profound emptiness in their pursuit of fortune.
