"The peaceful conscience is the boon / That keeps the jarring mind in tune"
— Combe, William (1742 -1823)
Author
Place of Publication
London
Date
1821
Metaphor
"The peaceful conscience is the boon / That keeps the jarring mind in tune"
Metaphor in Context
To shine and glitter all in gold, To be in words and science bold,
Wealth to enjoy and dainty fare,
The monarch's friend, the people's care;
To all that's gay and proud and great, Although such gifts may elevate,
The groaning gout, and racking stone
May change the mirth to bitter moan.
But e'en though sickness ne'er annoys, Riches and honours are but toys,
If Conscience be not firm and free, And wrapp'd in its fidelity.
The peaceful conscience is the boon
That keeps the jarring mind in tune:
O 'tis the heart's so cheering guest,
Which had--a rush for all the rest.
Wealth to enjoy and dainty fare,
The monarch's friend, the people's care;
To all that's gay and proud and great,
The groaning gout, and racking stone
May change the mirth to bitter moan.
But e'en though sickness ne'er annoys,
If Conscience be not firm and free,
The peaceful conscience is the boon
That keeps the jarring mind in tune:
O 'tis the heart's so cheering guest,
Which had--a rush for all the rest.
Categories
Provenance
Searching in HDIS (Poetry)
Citation
Text from 1869 edition of the Three Tours. See also The Three Tours of Doctor Syntax (London: A. Murray, 1871). <Link to Hathi Trust>
Date of Entry
03/13/2006