Page:Cheskian Anthology.pdf/166

 last the gentle lapse of time

Quietly stealing,

Brought to his over-passion'd heart

Some human feeling.

The cruel worm of conscience gnaw'd

His breast within;

And John's dim shadow seated there,

Recall'd the sin!

" John! my John!" he often cried,

"Thou innocent!

Thou, by the madness of thy lord,

From life uprent:

O bend thy head from highest heaven,

If there though live,

And pitying him who pitied not—

My crime forgive."

length he rear'd a little church,

To wash his guilt;

And near, a belfry tower of wood,

Repentant built.