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ON A PICTURE OF PENITENCE.
��YES ! look to Heaven. Earth scorns to lend Refuge, or ray thy steps to guide ;
Bids pity with suspicion blend,
And slander check compassion's tide.
We will not ask, what thorn hath found Admittance to thy bosom fair,
If love hath dealt a traitor's wound, Or hopeless folly woke despair :
We only say, that sinless clime,
To which is raised thy streaming eye,
Hath pardon for the deepest crime, Though erring man that boon deny :
We only say, the prayerful breast, The gushing tear of contrite pain,
Have power to ope that portal blest, Where vaunting pride must toil in vain.
�� �
