What I most loved after you, Mercedes, was myself, my dignity, and that strength which rendered me superior to other men; that strength was my life.
 Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo (1845). copy citation

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Author Alexandre Dumas
Source The Count of Monte Cristo
Topic strength dignity
Date 1845
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1184/1184-h/1184-h.htm

Context

“«You do not suppose that, publicly outraged in the face of a whole theatre, in the presence of your friends and those of your son—challenged by a boy who will glory in my forgiveness as if it were a victory—you do not suppose that I can for one moment wish to live. What I most loved after you, Mercédès, was myself, my dignity, and that strength which rendered me superior to other men; that strength was my life. With one word you have crushed it, and I die.»
«But the duel will not take place, Edmond, since you forgive?»
«It will take place,» said Monte Cristo, in a most solemn tone; «but instead of your son's blood to stain the ground, mine will flow.»” source
Original quote

Meaning and analysis

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