ODE TO CONSCIENCE 295
Friend of the generous, just and wise ;
The upright alone with fearless eyes
Greet thine approach, and who can gain
Thy friendship may scorn earthly pain.
In desert wastes or prison cell
Need not discontented dwell,
Nor dread, if he but do thy will,
Them that the body only kill.
Even Error's self within thy sight
Walks guiltless, so he meant the right,
Even though, unshocked and unrelenting.
He hath stood by with mind consenting
To the destruction of the good ;
Even though bestained with innocent blood,
Thou lettest him escape unchid,
Because he knew not what he did.
But, above all, is dear to thee
Plain truth and frank sincerity ;
The wish benign, the action kind,
Ever a friend in thee will find.
Thou hast no care for human creeds,
Loving good will and generous deeds ;
None ever yet with man dwelt as a brother.
But found thee kind and gentle as a mother ;
For thou, like God above,
Ever best lovest love. And thou and he will much forgive To them that with much love shall live. Whom thou befriendest ever walks in light ; His morn is not more lovely than his night ; Long, solitary years canst thou beguile, Where thou wilt grant one fond, approving smile.
��O when, 'neath wintry moonbeams pale, Thou deignest thy dread face to unveil,
�� �
