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ON THE FOLLY OF VINDICTIVENESS.
Man from his errors Heavenly Wisdom frees,
And teaches him the truth. Only a mind
Petty, infirm, and narrow, e'er can find
Pleasure in vengeance. This you straight must see,
Since no man so revengeful e'er can be
As women are. And yet, why should you think
Your criminal escaped, who still must shrink
From his own memory conscious of the deed;
Whose bosom 'neath the silent lash must bleed;
While his own spirit, forced itself to urge
With torture, brandishes the secret scourge?
And teaches him the truth. Only a mind
Petty, infirm, and narrow, e'er can find
Pleasure in vengeance. This you straight must see,
Since no man so revengeful e'er can be
As women are. And yet, why should you think
Your criminal escaped, who still must shrink
From his own memory conscious of the deed;
Whose bosom 'neath the silent lash must bleed;
While his own spirit, forced itself to urge
With torture, brandishes the secret scourge?