I should be very willing to redress men wrongs, and rather check than punish crimes, had not Cervantes, in that all too true tale of Quixote, shown how all such efforts fail.

Summary

This quote suggests that the speaker is open to rectifying any injustices done to others and prefers to prevent crimes rather than punish them. However, the reference to Cervantes' novel, "Don Quixote," conveys a sense of cynicism. The speaker points out that the story illustrates the ineffectiveness of such efforts, implying that attempting to right wrongs, like the main character in the novel, might ultimately prove futile. Therefore, in light of this realization, the speaker may be less inclined to actively intervene in societal conflicts.

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