Nor did I need to have that itching of my
own passions inflamed by the encouragement of my accomplices. But
since the pleasure I got was not from the pears, it was in the
crime itself, enhanced by the companionship of my fellow sinners.
CHAPTER IX
17. By what passion, then, was I animated? It was
undoubtedly depraved and a great misfortune for me to feel it.
But still, what was it? "Who can understand his errors?"[56]
We laughed because our hearts were tickled at the thought of
deceiving the owners, who had no idea of what we were doing and
would have strenuously objected. Yet, again, why did I find such
delight in doing this which I would not have done alone? Is it
that no one readily laughs alone? No one does so readily; but
still sometimes, when men are by themselves and no one else is
about, a fit of laughter will overcome them when something very
droll presents itself to their sense or mind. Yet alone I would
not have done it -- alone I could not have done it at all.
Behold, my God, the lively review of my soul's career is laid
bare before thee. I would not have committed that theft alone.
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