Poem May 4, 1899 Issue

Sonnet

Conscience.

William Lyman Johnson

Why ape the ways of blindly-followed precedent
That barriers all roads to eternity
When veils of fatuous hypocrisy
By one great mind have long in shreds been rent?
Why try to heavenize a sin; repent
In part, and weigh the conscience solemnly
On loaded scales of Egotism, then fly
The probe of questioning conscience and be—content.

But ah, when fear and anguish strike the quick
Of conscience, moment-clear, self-tumult free,
Why cry for euthanasy and new birth?
For death will not relieve thee, Life's the wick,
Love's deeds the flame that burns immortally
Dissolving night and bringing joy to earth.

William Lyman Johnson.

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