Clemency and Meekness

Clemency is the virtue which moderates the anger of a superior in punishing, or passing sentence upon, one who is subject to him. Meekness is the virtue which moderates anger in aperson’s own soul. Therefore clemency and meekness are not identical, although they appear very similar.

Moral virtues, or will-virtues, bring the appetitesunder the control of reason. It is clear that both clemency andmeekness are moral virtues.

Clemency and meekness are aligned with the virtue of temperance, and are thus parts of that cardinal virtue.

Moral virtues are not so great, in point of nobility and excellence, as the theological virtues of supernatural faith,hope, and charity. Hence clemency and meekness are not the greatest of virtues. Nor are they so great as the virtues of prudence,justice, and fortitude.