Conscience and Remorse
by Paul Laurence Dunbar
“Good-bye,” I said to my conscience–
“Good-bye for aye and aye,”
And I put her hands off harshly,
“Good-bye for aye and aye,”
And I put her hands off harshly,
And turned my face away;
And conscience smitten sorely
Returned not from that day.
But a time came when my spirit
Grew weary of its pace;
Grew weary of its pace;
And I cried: “Come back, my conscience;
I long to see thy face.”
But conscience cried: “I cannot;
Remorse sits in my place.”
I long to see thy face.”
But conscience cried: “I cannot;
Remorse sits in my place.”
~ taken from The Harp and Laurel Wreath: Poetry and Dictation for the Classical Curriculum by Laura M. Berquist
Oh wow! I've used Berquist's book for years and never noticed that poem. Thanks for posting it Heather. X
I picked it for one of my son's memorization pieces, it reminded me of the verse that warns about our conscience being seared. I haven't taken time to look up the passage yet, but I hope to explore this idea a bit more as we work through this poem. I'm glad you liked it too, Carol.