Xaira. For what purpose?—and why at this moment?
High-Priest. Because an error committed at this moment, may draw after it an eternity of misery to us both.
Xaira. My conduct is the result of my conviction.
High-Priest. Then surely that cannot be just. God created man weak and liable to err, a truth on which your conviction should be founded. This earth is imperfect, so is every thing that lives and moves in it, and will not that God who suffers the tyger to mangle the harmless lamb, look down with forbearance on frail man when he listens to the voice of nature.
Xaira. But we men slay the tyger, and we do right,—we punish the faults of man, and we do right.
High-Priest. Yes, if by his weakness he produce disorder in the state.
Xaira. And is not that the case in the affair before us?
High-Priest. No!
Xaira. No?