Let guilty men remember, their black deedsDo lean on crutches made of slender reeds.

Summary

This quote suggests that those who commit wrongdoing and engage in immoral actions may try to justify or support their actions with weak and feeble arguments. It implies that guilt, shame, and the weight of their actions ultimately dominate their thoughts and conscience, making any attempts to excuse or defend their behavior appear insubstantial and precarious, just like fragile reeds used as crutches. The quote exposes the futility and fragility of attempting to rationalize immoral actions or justify wrongdoing.

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