Volume 3 — SONNET LXVI.
Reading edition
Nobly to scorn thy gilded veil to wear, Soft Simulation!—wisely to abstain From fostering Envy’s asps;—to dash the bane Far from our hearts, which Hate, with frown severe, Extends for those who wrong us;—to revere With soul, or grateful, or resign’d, the train Of mercies, and of trials, is to gain A quiet conscience, best of blessings here!— Calm conscience is a land-encircled bay, On whose smooth surface tempests never blow; Which shall the reflex of our life display Unstain’d by crime, tho’ gloom’d with transient woe; While the bright hopes of Heaven’s eternal day Upon the fair and silent waters glow.