Chapter XII Summary

It had always been clear to Henry that he was different from other men. Laws that applied to others had always been an assault to his sensibilities. He regarded his current sufferings as unprecedented, and he reasoned that nature would not blame him for his rebellion. After all, nature had created the methods and devices that allowed his retreat in the first place. He felt no need to bow to an approaching death; nature didn't like blind submission. His egotism made him feel safe for a little while.

Henry had grandiose thoughts that he was an angel who possessed a perfect existence and all the while mankind would call him a greased pig. So why should he try to reform mankind when they would never call him an angel and be happy to call him a greased pig? Most men are...