Mens indignation, it seems, is more excited by legal wrong than by violent wrong; the first looks like being cheated by an equal, the second like being compelled by a superior.

Summary

This quote suggests that people are often more enraged by perceived legal injustices than by acts of violence. This is because when someone feels wronged by a legal wrongdoing, it feels like being deceived by someone on an equal footing. On the other hand, violence implies being coerced by someone in a position of power, leading to a different emotional response. The quote implies that unfair treatment in a legal context can arouse a stronger sense of indignation due to its perceived violation of justice and equality.