It is well, I think, that violent offences, when committed, should be met by instant rebuke.

To turn the other cheek instantly to the smiter can hardly be suitable in these days, when the hands of so many are raised to strike.

But the return blow should be given only while the smart remains.

She hurt me then; but what is it to me now, that she called me a thief to my face?
Do I not know that, all the country round, men and women are calling me the same behind my back ?" "No, Josiah, you do not know that.

They say that the thing is very strange,--so strange that it requires a trial; but no one thinks you have taken that which was not your own." "I think I did.