If only now it were possible to rouse the conscience of that imperial criminal!" He took up the written sheet on which he had begun a dissertation as to what conscience is, as exerting a choice between good and evil.

He had written: "Understanding governs what we purpose; consciousness governs what our understanding resolves upon.

Hence, if our understanding choose the good, consciousness is satisfied." How flat it sounded! It could have no effect in that form.
Melissa had confessed with far greater warmth what her feelings had been after she had sacrificed for the suffering sinner.

Every one, no doubt, would feel the same who, when called on to choose between good and evil, should prefer the good; so he altered and expanded the last words: "Thus consciousness sends a man with song and gladness into the sanctuaries and groves, into the roads, and wherever mortals live.

Even in sleep the song makes itself heard, and a happy choir from the land of dreams lift up their voices about his bed." That was better! This pleasing picture might perhaps leave some impression on the soul of the young criminal, in whom a preference for good could still, though rarely, be fanned to a flame.