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.

�� �