A Penitential Thought, in the Hour of Remorse
A Penitential Thought, in the Hour of Remorse - meaning Summary
Remorse Tempered by Pity
The speaker delivers a penitential self-address, calling himself a hardened, sinful man while repeatedly expressing compassion for the poor and oppressed. He watches humane suffering and condemns the oppressor who delights in another’s ruin, and he confesses that, but for misused gifts and occasional mercy, he might have shared the same fate. The poem balances severe self-reproach with sincere pity, ending in an acknowledgment that his talents—given by God—were abused rather than used to help others. The mood is remorseful and morally self-aware rather than vindictive.
Read Complete AnalysesAll devil as I am, a damned wretch, A harden'd, stubborn, unrepenting villain, Still my heart melts at human wretchedness; And with sincere tho' unavailing sighs I view the helpless children of Distress. With tears indignant I behold th' Oppressor, Rejoicing in the honest man's destruction, Whose unsubmitting heart was all his crime. Even you, ye hapless crew, I pity you; Ye, whom the Seeming good think sin to pity; Ye poor, despis'd, abandon'd vagabonds, Whom Vice, as usual, has turn'd o'er to Ruin. O, but for kind, tho' ill-requited, I had been driven forth like you forlorn, The most detested, worthless wretch among you! O injured God! Thy goodness has endow'd me With talents passing most of my compeers, Which I in just proportion have abus'd; As far surpassing other common villains As Thou in natural parts hadst given me more.
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