“Forgiveness to the injured does belong; But they ne’er pardon, who have done the wrong.”
- Date
- 1672
- Attribution
- Source identified
- Voice / speaker
- Fictional character · Zulema
What does this quote mean?
Zulema cynically suggests that pardon belongs to the person who was harmed while the wrongdoer may remain trapped in shame or hostility; the drama immediately undercuts him by showing that he plans fresh deception.
Where does it come from?
The Conquest of Granada, Part II, The Works of John Dryden, Volume IV, Project Gutenberg #15349. Zulema speaks after being pardoned and immediately proposes “feigned honesty” to regain trust, making this a compromised character perspective rather than Dryden’s direct moral instruction.
Who voices the line?
Fictional character · Zulema. Zulema says this in The Conquest of Granada, Part II after being pardoned; his immediately following plan to use feigned honesty makes the line a cynical dramatic observation, not neutral advice by Dryden.
The source author and the local speaker can be different, especially in fiction, drama, dialogue and poetry.
How should this attribution be read?
This wording is connected with the named source shown above. Translations and editions can vary, so consult the source note when exact wording matters.