Moral essays. With an English translation by J.W. Basore

ON MERCY, I. n. 2-in. 3vice. Therefore a wise moderation should be exercisedwhich will be capable of distinguishing betweencurable and hopeless characters. Neither shouldwe have indiscriminate and general mercy, nor yetpreclude it ; for it is as much a cruelty to pardonall as to pardon none. We should maintain themean ; but since a perfect balance is difficult, ifanything is to disturb the equipoise it should turnthe scale toward the kindlier side.But these matters will be more fitly discussed intheir proper place. Here I shall divide this subjectas a whole into three parts. The first will treat ofthe remission of punishment ; the second will aimto show the nature and aspect of mercy ; for sincethere are certain vices which counterfeit virtues,they cannot be separated unless you stamp themAvith marks by which they may be kno^vn apart.In the third place I shall inquire how the mind is ledto adopt this virtue, and how it establishes it andby practice makes it its owTi.That no one of all the virtues is more seemly fora man, since none is more human, is a necessary -conviction not only for those of us who maintain thatman is a social creature, begotten for the commongood," but also for those who give man over topleasure,** whose words and deeds all look to their ownadvantage.For if a man seeks calm and quiet, hefinds this \irtue, which loves peace and stays thehand, forthwith suited to his bent. Yet of all mennone is better graced by mercy than a king or aprince. For great power confers grace and gloryonly when it is potent for benefit ; it is surely abaneful might that is strong only for harm. Healone has firm and well-grounded greatness whom365