Oh; gently conscience thou scourgest well!
Would'st thou give ease if I should tell,
The secret crime o'er which I weep,
Ev'en though unknown, denies me sleep?
Come law, and punish, let me rest,
Pray ease the guilty, aching breast;
The innocent, pray, set him free,
And take the convict, I am he;
No punishment can law import,
Equal the guilty, aching heart.