The Count of Monte Cristo

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are occasions when I dispense with all foolish human circumspection.
If your daughter had committed only one crime, and I saw her meditating
another, I would say 'Warn her, punish her, let her pass the remainder
of her life in a convent, weeping and praying.' If she had committed
two crimes, I would say, 'Here, M. de Villefort, is a poison that the
prisoner is not acquainted with,--one that has no known antidote, quick
as thought, rapid as lightning, mortal as the thunderbolt; give her that
poison, recommending her soul to God, and save your honor and your life,
for it is yours she aims at; and I can picture her approaching your
pillow with her hypocritical smiles and her sweet exhortations. Woe to
you, M. de Villefort, if you do not strike first!' This is what I would
say had she only killed two persons but she has seen three deaths,--has
contemplated three murdered persons,--has knelt by three corpses! To the
scaffold with the poisoner--to the scaffold! Do you talk of your honor?
Do what I tell you, and immortality awaits you!"

Villefort fell on his knees. "Listen," said he; "I have not the strength