And much it grieved my heart to think - What man has made of man...

I, too, deceived,
I, too, it chanced,
Lost my male dignity, ye gods !
I robbed myself for pleasure's sake
And with my conscience was at odds.


Now maybe those whom I offended
Can't trust the call of sacred love.
Not easily's the damage mended
To nurse anew love's timid dove.


But what's the use of vain regrets ?
Life won't restart - what's done is done.
No prayer can nullify my guilt.
Yet now I'm worried for my ???


Let him not stoop  to petty lust
And not repeat his father's sins,
And not betray a sacred love,
Nor bargain with his conscience.