Although the most acute judges of the witches and even the witches themselves, were convinced of the guilt of witchery, the guilt nevertheless was non-existent. It is thus with all guilt.

But strangers and the poor may pluck for themselves the fruit from my tree: that causes less shame. But beggars should be entirely done away with! Truly, it annoys one to give to them and it annoys one not to give to them.

The noble man wants to create something new and a new virtue. The good want the old, and that old should be preserved.

To take upon oneself not punishment, but guilt - that alone would be godlike

You love your virtue as the mother her child; but when was it heard of a mother wanting to be paid for her love?

Thus I spoke, more and more softly; for I was afraid of my own thoughts and the thoughts behind my thoughts.