Then comes the bigotry--the stake--the auto-da-fe of scandal.

What, alas! is so implacable as the rage of vanity?
What so restless as its persecution?
Take from a man his fortune, his house, his reputation, but flatter his vanity in each, and he will forgive you.

Heap upon him benefits, fill him with blessings: but irritate his self-love, and you have made the very best man an ingrat.

He will sting you if he can: you cannot blame him; you yourself have instilled the venom.

This is one reason why you must not always reckon upon gratitude in conferring an obligation.