Loe now, there does no place remain
For penitence, and tears, but all
Must by their Actions stand or fall:
To hope for pity is in vain,
The Dye is cast, and not to be recall'd again.
Two mighty Books are by two Angels brought,
In this, impartially recorded, stands
The Laws of Nature, and Divine Commands,
In that, each Action, Word and Thought,
Whate'er was said in secret, or in secret wrought.
Then first the Virtuous, and the Good,
Who all the Fury of Temptation stood,
And bravely pass'd thro' Ignominy, Chains and Blood;
Attended by their Guardian Angels, come
To the tremendous Bar of final Doom.
In vain the grand Accuser, railing brings,
A long Indictment of enormous Things,
Whose Guilt wip'd off by penitential Tears,
And their Redeemer's Blood and Agonies,
No more to their astonishment appears,
But in the secret Womb of dark Oblivion lies.