To commit a crime is to act against Divine justice—to disobey God. Therefore, as God cannot disobey Himself, He cannot commit crime; but He has so made man that man commits it frequently. How does that arise?
SELIM.
Some men can tell, but I am not one of them. All that I know is, that the Koran is ridiculous, although possessing here and there things which are passable. The Koran, however, is certainly not necessary to man—that I maintain. I perceive clearly that which is false, but know very little of that which is true.
OSMIN.
I thought that you would instruct me, but you teach me nothing.
SELIM.
Is it not something to know the men who deceive you, and the gross and dangerous errors they promulgate?
OSMIN.
I should have cause to complain of a physician who made me acquainted with poisonous plants, without instructing me in regard to such as are salutary.
SELIM.