quote · Legacy record
In the good man’s breast, Justice and piety, with valour reign: He, though the fabric of the shaken world Should burst in thundering ruin o’er his head, Calm and unawed would view the crushing wreck, Nor shudder at destruction; but to brave The wrath of Heaven, or rashly to intrude, Spotted with guilt, into his Maker’s sight; Or lift for mercy a rebellious hand Dyed with a brother’s gore, he justly fears; Yet, in Himself collected, will defy The taunt of malice, or that groundless right The weakest, lightest of mankind assume To brand with infamy his injured name, And scorn the coward, daring to forgive.
In the good man’s breast, Justice and piety, with valour reign: He, though the fabric of the shaken world Should burst in thundering ruin o’er his head, Calm and unawed would view the crushing wreck, Nor shudder at destruction; but to brave The wrath of Heaven, or rashly to intrude, Spotted with guilt, into his Maker’s sight; Or lift for mercy a rebellious hand Dyed with a brother’s gore, he justly fears; Yet, in Himself collected, will defy The taunt of malice, or that groundless right The weakest, lightest of mankind assume To brand with infamy his injured name, And scorn the coward, daring to forgive.
In print by 1888 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Meaning not yet available
An individual explanation has not yet been added. We do not substitute a generic description for an interpretation of these particular words.
Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- C. P. Layard (identity unresolved)
Attribution: unknown - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1888 AD · industrial
In print by 1888: recorded in A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
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 632 · printed citation: C. P. Layard · subject: VALOUR
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.