Severity is almost always a defect of memory; we blame others without pity, only when we begin by forgetting our own history.

I was allowed none when I was a young chap, and the severity was nearly the ruin of me.

In criminals of blood, if the fact be evident, severity is justice.

Severity towards children is the rule.

Another time, that will be well received which is a crime to-day; this severity is a notice to redouble my effort, to merit more indulgence and disarm pride; she wishes to be appeased.'

Severity was her weapon, and every means used to break the spirit, which she could plainly perceive would soon endeavour to throw off her control.

To the resident traders the inference was obvious: the severity was the cause of the friendly disposition, and it had only to be applied elsewhere to produce the like results.

" "I hope your friend has not been unnecessarily harsh: severity is not the best way, always, of effecting repentance, and I feel certain that you, my young friend, can have been guilty of no offence that does not rather require gentle than stern reproof," said Mrs. Wilson.

But the severity of her countenance was a perfect mask for such weak and uncertain ideas, and confirmed him deeply in his estimate of her.

" "As I said before, Malison, her severity is but a disguise for mortification and annoyance.

Severity is a most admirable method, my good Malison; you will break her spirit if you persevere, notwithstanding all the amiable Mrs. Hamilton may do or say.

St. Louis's extreme severity towards what he called the knavish oath (vilain serment), that is, blasphemy, an offence for which there is no definition save what is contained in the bare name of it, is, perhaps, the most striking indication of the state of men's minds, and especially of the king's, in this respect.