Faraday to Sarah Barnard   11 October 1819

R.I. | Oct. 11th, 1819.

You ask’d me last night for the lines which I penn’d,

When, exulting in ignorance, tempted by pride,

I dared torpid hearts and cold breasts to commend,

And affection’s kind pow’r and soft joys to deride.

If you urge it I cannot refuse your request:

Though to grant it will punish severely my crime:

But my fault I repent, and my errors detest;

And I hoped to have shown my conversion in time.

Remember, our laws in their mercy decide

That no culprit be forced to give proof of his deed:

They protect him though fall’n, his failings they hide,

And enable the wretch from his crimes to receed.

The principle’s noble! I need not urge long

Its adoption; then turn from a judge to a friend.

Do not ask for the proof that I once acted wrong,

But direct me and guide me the way to amend.

M.F.