The calamities of tragedy do not simply happen, nor are they sent; they proceed mainly from actions, and those the actions of men. We see a number of human beings placed in certain circumstances; and we see, arising from the co-operation of their characters in these circumstances, certain actions. These actions beget others, and these others beget others again, until this series of inter-connected deeds leads by an apparently inevitable sequence to a catastrophe.
Give, if thou can, an alms; if not, a sweet and gentle word.