It is so for
every great virtue. His final possession of a single virtue can be
proved by no man.
"This was another reason why I was sometimes unwilling to prosecute
a fellow-creature; it might be a case in which he alone would
actually know whether he were innocent, but his simple word would
not be taken, and his simple word would be the only proof that he
could give. I ask you, as you care for my memory, never to take
advantage of the truth that the man before you, as the accused, may
in the nature of things be unable to prove his innocence. Some day
you are going to be a judge. Remember you are always a judge; and
remember that a greater Judge than you will ever be gave you the
rule: 'Judge as you would be judged.' The great root of the matter
is this: that all human conduct is judged; but a very small part of
human conduct is ever brought to trial."
He had many visitors at his office during these idle summer days.
He belonged to a generation of men who loved conversation--when
they conversed. All the lawyers dropped in. The report of his
failing strength brought these and many others.
He saw a great deal of Professor Hardage. One morning as the two
met, he said with more feeling than he usually allowed himself to
show: "Hardage, I am a lonesome old man; don't you want me to come
and see you every Sunday evening? I always try to get home by ten
o'clock, so that you couldn't get tired of me; and as I never fall
asleep before that time, you wouldn't have to put me to bed.
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