Then I should have to resort to patronage, to intrigue, to tricks ...

in short to surrender myself to all those infamies, for which I am penetrated with such just horror.

Support myself, my children, and their mother on the blood of wretches?
No, madame, it were better for them to be orphans than to have a scoundrel for their father....

Why have I not married, you will ask?
Madame, ask it of your unjust laws.

It was not fitting for me to contract an eternal engagement; and it will never be proved to me that my duty binds me to it.