Forgiveness

Young Jane
What is your name?
Helen
Helen.
Young Jane
You must wish to leave here.
Helen
No, why should I? I was sent to Lowood to get an education.
Young Jane
But that teacher is so cruel to you!
Helen
I have to be awakened
Young Jane
I would think you should dislike her.
Helen
I have to be taught
Young Jane
If you have faults, what are they?
Helen
I'm careless and forgetful.
Young Jane
To me, you seem very good.
Helen
She sees things you do not.
Young Jane
If she had struck me with that strap, I would get it from her hand...
Helen
I do not hold a grudge.
Young Jane
But she is cross and cruel.
Helen
Then I must learn to endure.
Young Jane
I could not bear it.
Helen
And God is my judge
Young Jane
I think it is disgraceful!
Helen
Forgiveness
Is the mightiest sword
Forgiveness of those you fear
Is the highest reward
When they bruise you with words
When they make you feel small
When it's hardest to take
You must do nothing at all
Young Jane
If we were always kind
To the evil and unjust
Kindness would be our curse
Jane
We should strike back at them
Helen, I'm sure we must
Jane and Young Jane
Lest they grow worse and worse
Helen
You forget Jesus Christ
Young Jane
I must resist the unjust
Helen
What He taught is still true
Young Jane
And love those who love me
Helen
You must forgive those who hate
Jane
I could never forgive Mrs. Reed!
Helen
And bless them that curse you
Jane
I could never forgive her son, John!
Helen
Forgiveness
Is the mightiest sword
Forgivness of those you fear
Is the highest reward
Bless the criminal
Forgiveness
You will learn it in time

- Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë