Had I not sinned what would there be for you to pardon. My fate has given you the opportunity for mercy.
If Jupiter should hurl a bolt whenever men sin, His armory would quickly be empty.
If Jupiter hurled his thunderbolt as often as men sinned, he would soon be out of thunderbolts.
He who sins easily, sins less. The very power Renders less vigorous the roots of evil.
Indulgent gods, grant me to sin once with impunity. That is sufficient. Let a second offence bear its punishment.
