Of all the numerous ills that hurt our peace, That press the soul, or wring the mind with anguish Beyond comparison the worst are those By our own folly, or our guilt brought on: In ev'ry other circumstance, the mind Has this to say, "It was no deed of mine:" But, when to all the evil of misfortune This sting is added, "Blame thy foolish self!" Or worser far, the pangs of keen remorse, The torturing, gnawing consciousness of guilt -- Of guilt, perhaps, when we've involved others, The young, the innocent, who fondly lov'd us; Nay more, that very love their cause of ruin! O burning hell! in all thy store of torments There's not a keener lash! Lives there a man so firm, who, while his heart Feels all the bitter horrors of his crime, Can reason down its agonizing throbs; And, after proper purpose of amendment, Can firmly force his jarring thoughts to peace? O happy, happy, enviable man! O glorious magnanimity of soul! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TWO AT A FIRESIDE by EDWIN MARKHAM IF WE MUST DIE by CLAUDE MCKAY A SPIRITUAL AND WELL-ORDERED MIND by HENRY ALFORD ON THE LOSS OF PROFESSOR FISHER by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD SONNETS FOR NEW YORK CITY: 3 by ANNA HEMPSTEAD BRANCH KITCHENER, K. G. by HENRY CHAPPELL THE PEARL OF SYMPATHY by HENRY CHAPPELL |