Here, then, was an opportunity of gratifying his resentment in a Christian and constitutional spirit, and with no obstacle in his way but Darby's inveterate piety.

This, however, for the sake of truth, he hoped to remove, or so modify, that it would not prevent him from punishing that very disloyal and idolatrous delinquent.
"Those feelings, O'Drive, are all very good and creditable to you, and I am delighted indeed that you entertain them--but, in the meantime, you owe a duty to society greater than that which you owe to yourself.
This man, this priest--a huge, ferocious person I understand he is--has latterly been going about the parish foaming and raging, and seeking whom he can horsewhip." "That's thruth, sir, poor dark hathen--an', sir--jist beggin' your pardon for one minute, half a minute, sir--you know we're desired when an inimy strikes us upon one cheek to turn the other to him; well, as I said, sir, I found myself very Scriptural this whole day, so when he hit me the first welt on this cheek, I turns round the other, an' now look at the state it's in, sir--but that's not all, sir, he tuck the hint at once, and gave it to me on both sides, till he left me as you see me.
Still, sir, I can forgive him, and I have done it." "That, as I said, reflects great credit on your principles--but, in the meantime, you can still retain these principles and prosecute him.
Your lodging informations against him does not interfere with your own personal forgiveness of him at all--because it is in behalf of, and for the safety of society that you come forward to prosecute now." Darby, who in point of fact had his course already taken, shook his head and replied, falling back upon the form of M'Slime's language as much as he could-- "I feel, sir," he replied, "that I'm not permitted." "Permitted!" repeated the other.

"What do you menu ?" "I'm not permitted from above, sir, to prosecute this man.

I'm not justified in it." "Quite ridiculous, O'Drive, where did you pick up this jargon of the conventicle--but that reminds me, by the by--you are not a convert to the Established Church.

You belong to the Dissenters, and owe your change of opinions to Mr.M'Slime." "If I don't belong to the Established Church now, sir," replied Darby, "I won't be long so." "Why," inquired the other, "are you not satisfied with the denomination of Christians you have joined ?" "M'Slime, sir, converted me--as you say--but I've great objections--and between you and me, I, fear it's not altogether safe for any man to take his religion from an attorney." A smile, as much as he could condescend to, passed over the haughty, but dignified features of Mr.Lucre.
"O'Drive," said he, "I did not think you possessed so much simplicity of character as I perceive you do--but touching the prosecution of this man--you must lodge information, forthwith.