Page:Ethel Churchill Fragments III.pdf/19



Deep in the heart is an avenging power, Conscious of right and wrong. There is no shape Reproach can take, one half so terrible As when that shape is given by ourselves. Justice hath needful punishments, and crime Is a predestined thing to punishment. Or soon, or late, there will be no escape From the stern consequence of its own act. But in ourself is Fate's worst minister: There is no wretchedness like self-reproach.