Children, I grant, should be innocent; but when the epithet is applied to men, or women, it is but a civil term for weakness.

Summary

This quote suggests that while innocence is acceptable and expected in children, when it is ascribed to adults, it is often seen as a polite way of acknowledging their weakness or naivety. The quote implies that being innocent as an adult may imply a lack of understanding or experience, which can be viewed as a form of weakness. It also suggests that innocence is a quality that is more socially acceptable and desirable in children, but not necessarily in mature individuals.