O conscience, upright and stainless, how bitter a sting to thee is a little fault!

Summary

This quote highlights the impact of a guilty conscience on even the slightest wrongdoing. It implies that an upright and pure conscience experiences deep remorse and suffering even for minor mistakes or faults committed. The phrase "how bitter a sting to thee" suggests the intense pain and moral anguish one feels when their conscience is troubled. It reinforces the idea that a strong sense of morality can make even the smallest wrongdoing feel significant and burdensome.

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