In the present state of society, they would not willingly admit that he was lecherous or compromised himself with women; but they do think it fitting that he should be vindictive and cruel.

Morality is a mutual agreement to keep what we possess: land, houses, furniture, women, and our lives.

It does not imply, in the case of those who bow to it, any particular intelligence or character.

It is instinctive and ferocious.

Written law follows it closely, and is in more or less harmonious agreement with it.
Hence we see that great-hearted men, or men of brilliant genius, have almost all been accused of impiety, and, like Socrates, the son of Phenaretes, and Benoit Malon, have been smitten by the tribunals of their country.