Page:Paul Clifford Vol 2.djvu/171

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PAUL CLIFFORD.
163

as this robber is described to be, could be so capable of soft affections?"

"I do," said Clifford, "because he was not sensible that he was as criminal as you esteem him. If a man cherish the idea that his actions are not evil, he will retain at his heart all its better and gentler sensations as much as if he had never sinned. The savage murders his enemy, and when he returns home, is not the less devoted to his friend, or the less anxious for his children. To harden and embrute the kindly dispositions, we must not only indulge in guilt, but feel that we are guilty. Oh! many that the world load with their opprobrium are capable of acts—nay, have committed acts, which in others, the world would reverence and adore. Would you know whether a man's heart be shut to the power of love; ask what he is—not to his foes, but to his friends! Crime, too," continued Clifford, speaking fast and vehemently, while his eyes flashed and the dark blood rushed to his cheek—"Crime—what is crime? men embody their worst prejudices, their most evil pas-