Classic Poem

BY THE SAME .

O Black Remorse! fell tyrant of the soul!
Undying worm, that prey'st upon the mind
Of erring mortals; sad remembrancer
Of crimes untold and follies long conceal'd!
Yon guilty sinner, lo, how wild his looks!
Despair and madness rend his tortur'd heart,
Till, weary of life's sad and painful load,
He seeks a friendly shelter in the grave;
And, springing forward from the verge of life,
Shuts close the gates of death upon Remorse.
But, when the rash and guilty deed is done,
No crime can be forgiv'n; it hurls him quite
Into the horrid gulph of bitter woe;
Far from the mansions of eternal day,
Where the more humble and repentant sinner
Receives forgiveness at the throne of mercy!