Of sentences that stir my bile, <br />Of phrases I detest, <br />There's one beyond all others vile; <br />"He did it for the best." <br /> <br />Of course he did: I don't suppose, <br />Nor can you think I should, <br />The man's among my deadliest foes, <br />Or is not fairly good. <br /> <br />Of course he did it for the best: <br />What should he do it for? <br />But did he do it? that's the test: <br />I ask to know no more. <br /> <br />Alas! he did: and here am I, <br />Quite ruined, half disgraced; <br />And you can really ask me why <br />My wrath is not effaced: <br /> <br />And there is he, good worthy man, <br />With self-esteem possessed, <br />Still saying, as of course he can, <br />"I did it for the best." <br /> <br />No evil deed was ever done, <br />Or honest man withstood, <br />Since first this weary world begun, <br />Except for someone's good. <br /> <br />And can it signify to me <br />Whose good he did it for? <br />Mine was it? thus 'twas wont to be, <br />And will be ever more. <br /> <br />When inoffensive people plant <br />A dagger in your breast, <br />Your good is what they really want: <br />They do it for the best.<br /><br />James Kenneth Stephen<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-malefactor-s-plea/
