"Is it wise for us thus to silence our sympathies?"
"Yes, it is, when we are powerless to act."
"But have we not, each of us, an influence?"
"Yes, but in such a dubious way, that in cases like the present, we had better not openly manifest it."
"Offensive we should never be; but surely we ought to assume a defensive position."
"Yes, but you must not excite yourself."
"Don't think of me. Already I fear I am too self-indulged. Too much time I have wasted in inaction."
"What could you have done? And now what can you do?"
"That is the very question that agitates me. Oh, that I knew my mission, and had the power to fulfil it!"
"Who of the others are sold?" he asked, turning to me.