Quotation from: The Valley of the Moon

Written by: Jack London

"Here, you pagan, you, you stolid and flesh-fettered ox, you
monstrosity of over-weening and perennial health and joy, what do
you think of it?" Hall demanded.

"Oh, I've had my troubles," Billy answered, speaking in his
wonted slow way. "I've had my hard times, an' fought a losin'
strike, an' soaked my watch, an' ben unable to pay my rent or
buy grub, an' slugged scabs, an' ben slugged, and ben thrown
into jail for makin' a fool of myself. If I get you, I'd be a
whole lot better to be a swell hog fattenin' for market an'
nothin' worryin', than to be a guy sick to his stomach from not
savvyin' how the world is made or from wonderin' what's the good
of anything."