I think the state never should take away life,--no, not even the life of a murderer.

I agree with that young statesman,--Maximilien Robespierre,--that the executioner is the invention of the tyrant.

My very attachment to our advancing revolution is, that it must sweep away this legal butchery." The lawyer paused, out of breath.

The stranger regarded him fixedly and turned pale.
"You change countenance, sir," said Dumas; "you do not agree with me." "Pardon me, I was at that moment repressing a vague fear which seemed prophetic." "And that--" "Was that we should meet again, when your opinions on Death and the philosophy of Revolutions might be different." "Never!" "You enchant me, Cousin Rene," said the old man, who had listened to his relation with delight.

"Ah, I see you have proper sentiments of justice and philanthropy.