To his simplicity — The Scarlet Letter

To his simplicity ¹
To die－was little Fate－
If Duty live－contented
But her Confederate.

(F.1387/J.1352)

[1] his simplicity:: Arthur Dimmesdale, a minister with a simple mind.
[2] die, little Fate:: Dimmesdale killed himself, a narrow, despised fate.
[3, 4] Duty, Confederate:: if he had assumed his duty, to take care Hester and his daughter Pearl, to live a contented life, he would become Hester's ally.
[4] her Confederate:: Dimmesdale and Hester committed the adultery; also they planned to escape.