The Physical Conscience
The moral conscience—court of last appeal—
Our word of God—our Heaven—sent light and guide—
From what high aims it lures our steps aside!
To what immoral deeds it sets its seal!
That beacon lamp has lost its sacred fire;
That pilot– guide, compelling wind and wave,
By slow, blind process, has become the slave
Of all– compelling custom and desire.
Not so the conscience of the body. This,
Untamed and true, still speaks in voice and face,
In cold lips stiffened to the loveless kiss,
In shamed limbs shrinking from unloved embrace,
In love– born passion, that no laws compel,
Nor gold can purchase, nor ambition sell.
