There are injuries which nature cannot forgive; she would cease to be nature if she did.
 Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776). copy citation

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Author Thomas Paine
Source Common Sense
Topic injury
Date 1776
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/147/147-h/147-h.htm

Context

“106 Ye that tell us of harmony and reconciliation, can ye restore to us the time that is past? Can ye give to prostitution its former innocence? Neither can ye reconcile Britain and America. The last cord now is broken, the people of England are presenting addresses against us. There are injuries which nature cannot forgive; she would cease to be nature if she did. As well can the lover forgive the ravisher of his mistress, as the continent forgive the murders of Britain. The Almighty hath implanted in us these unextinguishable feelings for good and wise purposes.” source