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Of course, they might have a thrashing sometimes for letting

their fancy run away with them and to teach them their place, but

no more; in fact, even this isn't necessary as they castigate

themselves, for they are very conscientious: some perform this

service for one another and others chastise themselves with their

own hands.... They will impose various public acts of penitence

upon themselves with a beautiful and edifying effect; in fact

you've nothing to be uneasy about.... It's a law of nature."

"Well, you have certainly set my mind more at rest on that score;

but there's another thing worries me. Tell me, please, are there

many people who have the right to kill others, these

extraordinary people? I am ready to bow down to them, of course,

but you must admit it's alarming if there are a great many of

them, eh?"