May one be pardoned and retain the offence?
In the corrupted currents of this world
Offence's gilded hand may shove by justice.
And oft 't is seen the wicked prize itself
Buys out the law: but 't is not so above;
There is no shuffling, there the action lies
In his true nature; and we ourselves compelled,
Even to the teeth and forehead of our faults,
To give in evidence. What then? what rests?
Try what repentance can: what can it not?
Yet what can it when one cannot repent?
O wretched state! O bosom black as death!
O limed soul, that, struggling to be free,
Art more engaged! Help, angels! Make assay!
Bow, stubborn knees; and heart with strings of steel,
Be soft as sinews of the new-born babe!
All may be well. [_Retires and kneels_.]
* * * * *
_King (rising)._ My words fly up, my thoughts remain below;
Words without thoughts never to heaven go.
SHAKESPEARE.
* * * * *
THE CALIPH AND SATAN.
VERSIFIED FROM THOLUCK'S TRANSLATION OUT OF THE PERSIAN.
In heavy sleep the Caliph lay,
When some one called, "Arise, and pray!"
The angry Caliph cried, "Who dare
Rebuke his king for slighting prayer?"
Then, from the corner of the room,
A voice cut sharply through the gloom:
"My name is Satan, Rise! obey
Mohammed's law; awake, and pray!"
"Thy _words_ are good," the Caliph said,
"But their intent I somewhat dread.
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