
before my accuser penetrated my whole soul with indignation. I answered:
    I have already told you I am innocent. I believe that I could not endure the
effort of inventing a plausible defence, if it were otherwise. You have just
affirmed that it is not in the power of ingenuity to subvert the distinctions of
right and wrong, and in that very instant I find them subverted. This is indeed
to me a very awful moment. New to the world, I know nothing of its affairs but
what has reached me by rumour, or is recorded in books. I have come into it with
all the ardour and confidence inseparable from my years. In every fellow being I
expected to find a friend. I am unpractised in its wiles, and have even no
acquaintance with its injustice. I have done nothing to deserve the animosity of
mankind, but, if I may judge from the present scene, I am from henceforth to be
deprived of the benefits of integrity and honour. I am to forfeit the friendship
of every one I have hitherto known, and to be precluded from the power of
acquiring that of others. I must therefore be reduced to derive my satisfaction
from myself. Depend upon it I will not begin that career by dishonourable
concessions. If I am to despair of the good will of other men, I will at least
maintain the independence of my own mind. Mr. Falkland is my implacable enemy.
Whatever may be his merits in other respects, he is acting towards me without
humanity, without remorse and without principle. Do you think I will ever make
any submissions to a man by whom I am thus treated, that I will fall down at the
feet of one who is to me a devil, or kiss the hand that is red with my blood?
    In that respect, answered Mr. Forester, do as you shall think proper. I must
confess that your firmness and consistency astonish me. They add something to
what I had conceived of human powers. Perhaps you have chosen the part which all
things considered may serve your purpose best, though I think more moderation
would be more conciliating. The exterior of innocence will, I grant, stagger the
persons who may have the direction of your fate, but it will never be able to
prevail against plain and incontrovertible facts. But I have done with you. I
see in you a new instance of that abuse which is so generally made of talents
the admiration of an undiscerning public. I regard you with horror. All that
remains is that I should discharge my duty in consigning you as a monster of
depravity to
