There's an innocence that has kind of gone away. Umm . . . the novelty factor hasn't been there for a while.
Remorse is virtue's root; its fair increase are fruits of innocence and blessedness.
The mind conscious of innocence despises false reports: but we are a set always ready to believe a scandal. [Lat., Conscia mens recti famae mendacia risit: Sed nos in vitium credula turba sumus.]
Now the summer's in prime Wi' the flowers richly blooming, And the wild mountain thyme A' the moorlands perfuming. To own dear native scenes Let us journey together, Where glad innocence reigns 'Mang the braes o' Balquhither.
The spinsters and the knitters in the sun And the free maids that weave their thread with bones Do use to chant it: it is silly sooth, And dallies with the innocence of love, Like the old age. -Twelfth Night. Act ii. Sc. 4.
Hast thou betrayed my credulous innocence With vizor'd falsehood and base forgery?
There is something peculiarly sinister and insidious in even a charge of disloyalty. Such a charge all too frequently places a strain on the reputation of an individual which is indelible and lasting, regardless of the complete innocence later proved.
I knew him tyrannous; and tyrants' fears Decrease not, but grow faster than the years; And should he doubt it, as no doubt he doth, That I should open to the list'ning air How many worthy princes' bloods were shed To keep his bed of blackness unlaid ope, To lop that doubt, he'll fill this land with arms And make pretense of wrong that I have done him; When all, for mine, if I may call offense, Must feel war's blow, who spares not innocence; Which love to all, of which thyself art one, Who now reproved'st me for't--
Victims suggest innocence. And innocence, by the inexorable logic that governs all relational terms, suggests guilt.