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THE FALL OF THE ALAMO
137
Their wilful acts for once will be condoned,
Their grievances relieved, their rights ensured.
Santa Anna.
And would our clemency and kind forbearance
Not be interpreted as fear and weakness?
Or can the dignity of our Republic
Afford to be insulted by a band
Of most ungrateful foreigners to whom
We gave the benefit of settling here?
Bradburn.
Revenge is low in Man as well as State.
Santa Anna.
'Tis justice to restrain the bad by force.
Bradburn.
'Tis useful oft to overlook a fault.
Santa Anna.
'Tis wiser oft to kill an evil's germ.
Bradburn.
'Tis more humane to cure it than to kill it.
Santa Anna.
What warrants their obedience in the future?
Bradburn.
Its guaranty should rather come from you.
