Poetical Fragments from Ethel Churchill Volume III/Self-Reproach

by Letitia Elizabeth Landon

CHAPTER XVI.

LADY MARCHMONT'S JOURNAL.

Deep in the heart is an avenging power,
Conscious of right and wrong. There is no shape
Reproach can take, one half so terrible
As when that shape is given by ourselves.
Justice hath needful punishments, and crime
Is a predestined thing to punishment.
Or soon, or late, there will be no escape
From the stern consequence of its own act.
But in ourself is Fate's worst minister:
There is no wretchedness like self-reproach.

Blanchard’s title is:

SELF-REPROACH