say that since the first impulses of passion are not under a man's
control, such a sin may be forgiven; so it might have obtained pardon."
"Yes," said Geburon, "but his daughters and descendants would have
always borne the stain."

"He ought not to have killed her at all," said Longarine, "for, when
his wrath was past, she might have lived with him in virtue, and nothing
would ever have been said about the matter."

"Do you think," said Saffredent, "that he was appeased merely because he
concealed his anger? For my part, I believe that he was as wrathful on
the last day, when he made his salad, as he had been on the first, for
there are persons whose first impulses have no rest until their passion
has worked its will. I am well pleased you say that the theologians deem
such sins easy to be pardoned, for I am of their opinion."

"It is well to look to one's words," said Longarine, "in presence of
persons so dangerous as you. What I said is to be understood of passion
when it is so strong that it suddenly seizes upon all the senses, and
reason can find no place."

"It is so," said Saffredent, "that I understood your words, and I thence
conclude that, whatever a man may do, he can commit only venial sin
if he be deeply in love. I am sure that, if Love hold him fast bound,
Reason can never gain a hearing, whether from his heart or from his
understanding. And if the truth be told, there is not one among us but
has had knowledge of such passion; and not merely do I think that sin
so committed is readily pardoned, but I even believe that God is not
angered by it, seeing that such love is a ladder whereby we may climb
to the perfect love of Himself. And none can attain to this save by the