Note 414:1 — FOR A MARKET-CLOCK[414:1]
Reading edition
Sent in a letter to T. Poole, October 9, 1809, and transferred to one of Coleridge's Notebooks with the heading 'Inscription proposed on a Clock in a market place': included in 'Omniana' of 1809-16 (Literary Remains, 1836, i. 347) with the erroneous title 'Inscription on a Clock in Cheapside'. First collected in 1893.
What now thou do'st, or art about to do, Will help to give thee peace, or make thee rue; When hov'ring o'er the line this hand will tell The last dread moment—'twill be heaven or hell.
Read for the last two lines:—
When wav'ring o'er the dot this hand shall tell The moment that secures thee Heaven or Hell.
MS. Lit. Rem.