The more his conscience pricks, more sorely sad he’ll feel!’
If thou wert really conscious God ’tis thee compels.
What need to feel ashamed;—to utter frightful yells?
Thou art not so; thou feelest not a captive’s chain;
Thou know’st thou’rt free to act, or from each act abstain.
Whoever saw a captive sporting in his bonds?
Whoever heard of prisoners acting vagabonds?
Hast thou had fetters fastened on to both thy feet?
Hast e’er beheld kings’ guardsmen resting in thy seat?320
Then be not thou to others hard as jailer man.