Heinrich Heine on Forgiveness

My wishes are simple: a modest cottage with a thatched roof, but a good bed, good food, milk and butter, very fresh, flowers in front of the window, and before the door a few beautiful trees, and if our dear Lord wishes to make me really happy, then he will allow me the pleasure that six or seven of my enemies are left dangling from these trees. With the most deeply affected heart, I would in advance of their death forgive them their every transgression against me. Yes, one should always forgive one's enemies, but perhaps not before they have been hung. Reconciliation, love, mercy.

–Heinrich Heine, Prose Notes (1848)(S.H. transl.)