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But me they will not justify! Beneath me— The poor offence of a few spiteful words, That I should do a fell—a ruffian's deed!

Be patient, Claudien, nor against thyself Speak with such vehemence of condemnation. Hadst thou resisted provocation, surely It had been well. Thou 'st done a fearful deed, But 't was a reckless, instantaneous impulse.

No, no! Oh, no! there was a fearful moment, And thoughts cross'd o'er my mind before I struck him. Would it had been an instantaneous impulse!

Distress of mind obscures thine understanding.

I've loved and been beloved by worthy men; A noble, gen'rous heart dwelt in my breast, As they believed, and so, alas, did I. But Providence has brought it to the proof; It was a fiend's heart; not a noble one. Maurice, Van Maurice, when upon thy shoulder