The best of us being unfit to die, what an unexpressible absurdity to put the worst to death.

The best of us being unfit to die, what an unexpressible absurdity to put the worst to death.

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for
in the image of God made he read more

Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for
in the image of God made he man.

Some have been beaten till they know
What wood a cudgel's of by th' blow:
Some kick'd read more

Some have been beaten till they know
What wood a cudgel's of by th' blow:
Some kick'd until they can feel whether
A shoe be Spanish or neat's leather.

Send them into everlasting Coventry.

Send them into everlasting Coventry.

Two of the cruelest, most primitive punishments our town deals out to those who fall from favor are the empty read more

Two of the cruelest, most primitive punishments our town deals out to those who fall from favor are the empty mailbox and the silent telephone.

Many a man spanks his children for the things his own father should have spanked out of him.

Many a man spanks his children for the things his own father should have spanked out of him.

Distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful.

Distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful.

He is next to the gods whom reason, and not passion, impels; and
who, after weighing the facts, can read more

He is next to the gods whom reason, and not passion, impels; and
who, after weighing the facts, can measure the punishment with
discretion.
[Lat., Diis proximus ille est
Quem ratio non ira movet: qui factor rependens
Consilio punire potest.]

Men are not punished for their sins, but by them.

Men are not punished for their sins, but by them.