Classic Poem

“A FAULT confessed is half redressed,”
A simple saying, brief and wise,
For the dear truth is ever best,
If truth without disguise.
If in a weak and angry hour
We utter bitter words and strong,
Oh! let us strive with all our power
To rectify the wrong.

If we attempt to mar and stain
A fellow-being's peace and name,
What does our selfish spirit gain
But fretfulness and shame?
Remember that we but distress
Another's quiet and our own:
Then let us hasten to confess,
And, if we can, atone.

But there are words breathed in the dark,
More baneful still than careless speech;
'Tis when we single out a mark
That secret spite may reach:
An arrow from an unseen hand
Is winged to wound some guiltless breast;
And who can such a foe withstand,
Hidden and unconfessed?

God judgeth justly, and will bring
Grief for the mischief that we do;
We cannot do an evil thing
But we shall suffer too.
Then let us lay the bosom bare
Before the injured one and Heaven,
And in a gush of heartfelt prayer
Confess, and be forgiven.