"I never have thought such things mattered.

What does matter, is to judge gently, and not to come down like a sledge-hammer on other people's failings.

Who are we, any of us, that we should be hard on others ?" "And not come down like a sledge-hammer on other people's failings," he repeated slowly.

"I wonder if I have ever judged gently." "I believe you have," she answered.
He shook his head.
"No," he said; "I have been a paltry fellow.

I have been lying here, and elsewhere too, eating my heart away with bitterness, until you came.
Since then I have sometimes forgotten to feel bitter.