“ revenge is a feast for the gods! And if they have reserved it, as priests tell us, to themselves, it is because they hold it an enjoyment too precious for the possession of mere mortals. ”
Walter Scott, Ivanhoe (1820). copy citation
| Author | Walter Scott |
|---|---|
| Source | Ivanhoe |
| Topic | revenge enjoyment |
| Date | 1820 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/82/82-h/82-h.htm |
Context
“«The power of vengeance, Rebecca,» replied the Templar, «and the prospects of ambition.»
«An evil recompense,» said Rebecca, «for the surrender of the rights which are dearest to humanity.»
«Say not so, maiden,» answered the Templar; «revenge is a feast for the gods! And if they have reserved it, as priests tell us, to themselves, it is because they hold it an enjoyment too precious for the possession of mere mortals.—And ambition? it is a temptation which could disturb even the bliss of heaven itself.» —He paused a moment, and then added, «Rebecca! she who could prefer death to dishonour, must have a proud and a powerful soul.” source
«An evil recompense,» said Rebecca, «for the surrender of the rights which are dearest to humanity.»
«Say not so, maiden,» answered the Templar; «revenge is a feast for the gods! And if they have reserved it, as priests tell us, to themselves, it is because they hold it an enjoyment too precious for the possession of mere mortals.—And ambition? it is a temptation which could disturb even the bliss of heaven itself.» —He paused a moment, and then added, «Rebecca! she who could prefer death to dishonour, must have a proud and a powerful soul.” source
Meaning and analysis
