“Who shall say that those poor peasants were not acting in the spirit we most venerate, most adore; that theirs was not the true heart language which we cannot choose but love?”

— James Anthony Froude , book The Nemesis of Faith

Letter IV
The Nemesis of Faith (1849)
Context: Who shall say that those poor peasants were not acting in the spirit we most venerate, most adore; that theirs was not the true heart language which we cannot choose but love? And what has been their reward? They have sent down their name to be the by-word of all after ages; the worst reproach of the worst men — a name convertible with atheism and devil-worship.

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James Anthony Froude 111

English historian, novelist, biographer, and editor of Fras… 1818–1894

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