Conscience is a coward, and those faults it has not strength to
prevent, it seldom has justice enough to read more

Conscience is a coward, and those faults it has not strength to
prevent, it seldom has justice enough to accuse.

A conscience without God is like a court without a judge.

A conscience without God is like a court without a judge.

No ear can hear nor tongue can tell the tortures of the inward hell!

No ear can hear nor tongue can tell the tortures of the inward hell!

But at sixteen the conscience rarely gnaws
So much, as when we call our old debts in
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But at sixteen the conscience rarely gnaws
So much, as when we call our old debts in
At sixty years, and draw the accounts of evil,
And find a deuced balance with the devil.

Why should not Conscience have vacation
As well as other Courts o' th' nation?
Have equal power read more

Why should not Conscience have vacation
As well as other Courts o' th' nation?
Have equal power to adjourn,
Appoint appearance and return?

They have cheveril consciences that will stretch.

They have cheveril consciences that will stretch.

Conscience is thoroughly well-bred and soon leaves off talking to those who do not wish to hear it.

Conscience is thoroughly well-bred and soon leaves off talking to those who do not wish to hear it.

So may heaven's grace clear away the foam from the conscience,
that the river of thy thoughts may roll read more

So may heaven's grace clear away the foam from the conscience,
that the river of thy thoughts may roll limpid thenceforth,
[It., Se toso grazia risolva le schiume
Di vostra conscienza, si che chiaro
Per essa scenda della mente il fiume.]

He that has light within his own clear breast
May sit i' the centre, and enjoy bright day:
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He that has light within his own clear breast
May sit i' the centre, and enjoy bright day:
But he that hides a dark soul and foul thoughts
Benighted walks under the mid-day sun;
Himself his own dungeon.