Of the causes in comparison with which no life was too dear to sacrifice, waswhich was the key-stone making feudal virtues a symmetrical arch. Other virtues feudal morality shares in common with other systems of ethics, with other classes of people, but this virtue — homage and fealty to a superior—is its distinctive feature. I am aware that personal fidelity is a moral adhesion existing among all sorts and conditions of men,—a gang of pickpockets owe alleg nee to a Fagin; but it is only in the code of chivab jus honor that Loyalty assumes paramount importance.
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