Where are the examples of pure and heartfelt interest, of real tenderness, of inmost confidence, of daily help of griefs divided, of tears mingled, if they be not in marriage?
What is there in the world that the good man prefers to his wife?
What is there in the world that a father loves more dearly than his children?
O sacred bond, if I think of thee, my whole soul is warmed and elevated!"[266] But these virtuous ejaculations do not warm and elevate us.

In such a case words count for nothing.

It is actual presentation of beautiful character, and not talk about it, that touches the spectator.

It is the association of interesting action with character, that moves us and inspires such better moods as may be within our compass.

Diderot, like many other people before and since, sought to make the stage the great moral teacher.