The Slavery of a Man, a Sin of Passion, Not of Purpose

The whole seven years of outlaw and ignominy had been little other than a preparation for this very hour. But arthur dimmesdale were such a man once more to fall, what plea could be urged in extenuation of his crime? None, unless it avail him somewhat, that he was broken down by long and exquisite sufferin. And be the stern and sad truth spoken, that the breach which guilt has once made into the human soul is never, in this mortal state, repaired.