---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Drink then,\" he replied, still with the…"
description: "\"“Drink then,\" he replied, still with the same cold composure. \"Does thou know mw so little Hester Pyrnne? Are my purposes wont to be so shallow? Even i..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d2d/nathaniel-hawthorne-461_bosom_drink-then-he-replied-still-with-the-sam_3128503.jpg"
---

#  Drink then," he replied, still with the same cold…

![“Drink then," he replied, still with the same cold composure. "Does thou know mw so little Hester Pyrnne? Are my purposes wont to be so shallow? Even if I imagine a scheme of vengeance, what could i do better for my object than to let thee live-than to give the medicines against all harm and peril…” quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d2d/nathaniel-hawthorne-461_bosom_drink-then-he-replied-still-with-the-sam_3128503.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d2d/nathaniel-hawthorne-461_bosom_drink-then-he-replied-still-with-the-sam_3128503.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d2d/nathaniel-hawthorne-461_bosom_drink-then-he-replied-still-with-the-sam_3128503.jpg)

> ““Drink then," he replied, still with the same cold composure. "Does thou know mw so little Hester Pyrnne? Are my purposes wont to be so shallow? Even if I imagine a scheme of vengeance, what could i do better for my object than to let thee live-than to give the medicines against all harm and peril of life-so that this burning shame may still blaze upon thy bosom?””

[Nathaniel Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-hawthorne/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker questions whether harming someone is more just than allowing them to live, suggesting that true cruelty may be giving them a false sense of safety while preserving their shame.

**In simple terms:** Is it kinder to let someone live with shame than to kill them?

Key Takeaway

Consider the moral weight of mercy versus harm.

Themes

morality mercy shame revenge

Mood

thoughtful conflicted

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

- justice system
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution

Key Concepts

ethical dilemma psychology human nature

Questions to Reflect On

- Is mercy always the kinder choice?
- How does allowing shame affect the victim?

A Different Perspective

Mercy can perpetuate suffering if it maintains harmful conditions.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Bosom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bosom/) [Vengeance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vengeance/)

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## More by Nathaniel Hawthorne

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