1I know, however, that there are some who think that clemency props up all the worst men, since it is superfluous except after a crime, and this alone of the virtues lies idle among the innocent. 1But first of all, just as medicine is used by the sick but honoured by the healthy too, so clemency, though it is those deserving punishment who invoke it, is revered by the innocent as well. 1Secondly, it has a place in the case of the innocent too, because at times misfortune stands in place of guilt; 1and clemency comes to the aid not only of innocence but often of virtue, since through the circumstances of the times certain things happen which may be punished though they are praised.
1Add that there is a large part of mankind which could return to innocence if punishment were remitted. 1Yet it is not fitting to pardon indiscriminately; 2for where the distinction between bad and good has been removed, confusion follows and an outbreak of vices; 2and so moderation must be applied, such as knows how to distinguish curable characters from those past hope. 2We ought to have a clemency neither indiscriminate and common nor cut off; 2for to pardon all is as much cruelty as to pardon none. 2We must keep to the mean; 2but since the balance is difficult, whatever is to be more than fair should tip the scale towards the kinder side.