The sins of _your_ fathers will lie as a _damnosa haereditas_, a damnable heritage, upon the mortgaged shoulders of _our_ children.

It is better, as Plato taught, to suffer injustice than to inflict it.

In the light of that ethical principle you are long since judged and condemned.

But with the customary luck of England you are allowed what others were not allowed, the opportunity of penitence and reform.

The messengers of the new gospel are at your doors, offering you in return for the plain rudiments of justice not only forgiveness but friendship.