"Joe," said he to his little son, "scamper down to the tavern in the village,
and tell the jolly fellows there that Ethan Brand has come back, and that
he has found the Unpardonable Sin!"
"It is a sin that grew within my own breast," replied Ethan Brand, standing
erect, with a pride that distinguishes all enthusiasts of his stamp. "A sin
that grew nowhere else! The sin of an intellect that triumphed over the sense
of brotherhood with man and reverence for God, and sacrificed everything to
its own mighty claims! The only sin that deserves a recompense of immortal
agony! Freely, were it to do again, would I incur the guilt. Unshrinkingly
I accept the retribution!"
