to all her attractiveness. We are not surprised when we find men and
women naturally vulgar going into transgression. We expect that
people who live in the ditch shall have the manners of the ditch; but
how shocking when we find sin appended to superior education and to
the refinements of social life. The accomplishments of Mary Queen of
Scots make her patronage of Darnley, the profligate, the more
appalling. The genius of Catharine II., of Russia, only sets forth in
more powerful contrast her unappeasable ambition. The translations
from the Greek and the Latin by Elizabeth, and her wonderful
qualifications for a queen, made the more disgusting her
capriciousness of affection and her hotness of temper. The greatness
of Byron's mind made the more alarming Byron's sensuality.
Let no one who hears me this day think that refinement of manner or
exquisiteness of taste or superiority of education can in any wise
apologize for ill-temper, for an oppressive spirit, for unkindness,
for any kind of sin. Disobedience Godward and transgression manward
can give no excuse. Accomplishment heaven high is no apology for vice
hell deep.