quote · Legacy record
For though the plain judge, Conscience, makes no show, But silently to her dark session comes, Not as red law does to arraignment go, Or war to execution, with loud drums; Though she on hills sets not her gibbets high, Where frightful law sets hers; nor bloody seems, Like war in colours spread, yet secretly She does her work, and many men condemns; Chokes in the seed what law, till ripe, ne’er sees; What law would punish, Conscience can prevent; And so the world from many mischiefs frees; Known by her cures, as law by punishment.
For though the plain judge, Conscience, makes no show, But silently to her dark session comes, Not as red law does to arraignment go, Or war to execution, with loud drums; Though she on hills sets not her gibbets high, Where frightful law sets hers; nor bloody seems, Like war in colours spread, yet secretly She does her work, and many men condemns; Chokes in the seed what law, till ripe, ne’er sees; What law would punish, Conscience can prevent; And so the world from many mischiefs frees; Known by her cures, as law by punishment.
Approximate author period: c. 1636 AD · renaissance
Meaning not yet available
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Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Sir William Davenant
Attribution: attributed - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Approximate author period: c. 1636 AD · renaissance
author lifetime midpoint (1605–1668)
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 139 · printed citation: Sir William Davenant · subject: CONSCIENCE
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.