“Tell this in some more courtly scene,
“To maids and youths in robes of state!
“I am a woman poor and mean,
“And therefore is my Soul elate.
“War is a ruffian, all with guilt defiled,
“That from <<link "the aged Father" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'old-age')).title`>><</link>> tears <<link "his Child" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'family')).title`>><</link>>!
“A murderous fiend, by fiends adored,
“He kills the Sire and starves the Son;
“The Husband kills, and from her board
“Steals all his Widow's toil had won;
“Plunders <<link "God's" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> world of beauty; rends away
“All safety from the Night, all comfort from the Day.
“Then wisely is my soul elate,
“That Strife should vanish, Battle cease:
“I'm poor and of a low estate,
“The <<link "Mother" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'family')).title`>><</link>> of <<link "the Prince of Peace" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>>.
“<<link "Joy rises" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> in me, like a summer's morn:
“Peace, Peace on Earth, <<link "the Prince of Peace" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> is born.â€
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge, "A Christmas Carol"How Sacred and how Innocent
A Country-life appears,
How free from Tumult, Discontent,
From Flattery or Fears!
This was the first and happiest Life,
When man enjoy'd himself;
Till Pride exchanged Peace for Strife,
And <<link "Happiness" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> for Pelf.
'Twas here the Poets were inspir'd,
Here taught the multitude;
The brave they here with <<link "Honour" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'honour')).title`>><</link>> fir'd,
And civiliz'd the rude.
That Golden Age did entertain
No Passion but of <<link "Love" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>>;
The thoughts of <<link "Ruling" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> and of <<link "Gain" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>>
Did ne're their Fancies move.
None then did envy Neighbour's wealth,
Nor Plot to wrong his bed:
Happy in Friendship and in Health,
On Roots, not Beasts, they fed.
- Katherine Phillips, from "A Country Life"I Say (indeed) that <<link "Fame" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'fame')).title`>><</link>> always,
In lawfull Warre is good:
And worthy prayse (if otherwise,
It may not be withstood.)
But all <<link "those Kings" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> I more prayse yet,
That rule in peace aright:
Then such as have a pregnant wit,
Against their foes to fight.
To this //Cicero// is not wrong,
Who says <<link "let weapons yield" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'leaving-weapons')).title`>><</link>>
To men in Gowns that use the tongue,
Resigne the conquered field.
Though //Romulus// fought valiantly,
As //Rome// can witnesse well:
Yet //Numa// (ruling quietly)
Did //Romulus// excell.
But lo, what need I <<link "rove to //Rome//" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'history')).title`>><</link>>
To fetch examples farre?
Great peace we do enjoy <<link "at home" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>>;
And are not vext with Warre.
<<link "(Lord)" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> blesse <<link "King //Charles//" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> with peace & health
And still preserve his Grace:
With //Nestors// age, and //Craesus// wealth
To rule in Regall place,
Give to thy Gospell passage free,
To flourish every where,
Make Christians all in Faith agree:
In //Europe// farre, and neere.
The <<link "fertile" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'fertility')).title`>><</link>> earth by tillage all,
<<link "Re-yields in time her store" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'harvest')).title`>><</link>>:
Each fruitfull thing of moment small
Doth <<link "prosper" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>> daily more.
- Richard Carter, from "A Military Dialogue betweene Philomusus and Miles"Whilst <<link "each King" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>>, the Wars dread Randing done,
His Neighbour troubles not, but minds his Throne;
Whilst taught <<link "to grow by Trade" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>>, and govern Peace,
//Spencer//, and //Spencer//'s Arts their States redress;
Pardon <<link "the Joy" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> which Muse and Fury brings,
The Man of Nations, and <<link "the Love of Kings" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>>.
Hush all ye Thrones! – Hush ev'ry Hallow'd Power! –
Whilst <<link "Godlike //Nassau//" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'diplomat')).title`>><</link>> speaks – Be War no more.
Tis said! – And strait to distant Nations round,
<<link "An Angel clipt" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'angel')).title`>><</link>>, and sate upon the Sound.
In the Third Heav'n, on a fair Crystal-Fold,
Is Peace, <<link "Joy" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>>, <<link "Love" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>> – and all that's Peace, enroll'd.
Hail! Peace, <<link "Old Age's" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'old-age')).title`>><</link>> Beauty, <<link "Ploughman's Rain" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'harvest')).title`>><</link>>,
The Pagan's Gospel, and the Miser's Gain!
Wizard's Presage, Atheist's Prayer, <<link "Envy's Love" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>>,
Below, the Song of Men, and Hymn of <<link "Gods above" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>>!
- Anonymous, from "A Poem on the Peace Happily Concluded between England, Spain, Holland and France, At Reswick, 1697"With vipers like to these, oh! <<link "blessed God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>>!
Scourge us no longer! Send us down, <<link "once more" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'return')).title`>><</link>>,
<<link "Some shining seraph" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'angel')).title`>><</link>> in Thy glory clad
<<link "To wake" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'wakening')).title`>><</link>> the midnight of our sorrowing
With tidings of good-will and peace to men;
And if <<link "that star" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'star')).title`>><</link>>, that through the darkness led
Earth's wisdom the guide, not our folly no,
Oh, be the lightning Thine Evangelist,
With all its fiery, forked tongues, to speak
The unanswerable message of Thy will.
- Severn Teackle Wallis, from "A Prayer for Peace"Look left, look right, the hills <<link "are bright" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'light')).title`>><</link>>,
The dales <<link "are light" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'light')).title`>><</link>> between,
Because 'tis fifty years tonight
That <<link "God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> has saved <<link "the Queen" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>>.
Now, when the flame they watch not towers
About the soil they trod,
Lads, we'll remember friends of ours
Who shared <<link "the work" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'work')).title`>><</link>> with <<link "God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>>.
To skies that knit their heartstrings right,
To fields that bred them brave,
The saviours come not <<link "home" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>> to-night:
Themselves they could not save.
<<link "It dawns" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'dawn')).title`>><</link>> in Asia, tombstones show
And Shropshire names are read;
And the Nile spills his overflow
Beside <<link "the Severn's dead" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'death')).title`>><</link>>.
We pledge in peace by farm and <<link "town" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'city')).title`>><</link>>
<<link "The Queen" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> they served in war,
And fire the beacons up and down
The land they perished for.
'<<link "God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> save the Queen' we living sing,
From height to height 'tis heard;
And with the rest your voices ring,
Lads of the Fifty-third.
Oh, <<link "God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> will save her, fear you not:
Be you the men you've been,
<<link "Get you the sons your fathers got" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'family')).title`>><</link>>,
And <<link "God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> will save <<link "the Queen" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>>.
- A. E. Housman, from 'A Shropshire Lad'It is portentous, and a thing of state
That here at midnight, in <<link "our little town" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>>
A mourning figure walks, and will not <<link "rest" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sleep')).title`>><</link>>,
Near the old court-house pacing up and down.
Or by <<link "his homestead" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>>, or in shadowed yards
He lingers where <<link "his children" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'family')).title`>><</link>> used to play,
Or through the market, on the well-worn stones
He stalks until the dawn-stars burn away.
A bronzed, lank man! His suit of ancient black,
A famous high top-hat and plain worn shawl
Make him the quaint <<link "great figure" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> that men love,
The prairie-lawyer, master of us all.
He cannot <<link "sleep" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sleep')).title`>><</link>> upon his hillside now.
He is among us:—as in <<link "times before" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'history')).title`>><</link>>!
And we who toss and lie awake for long
Breathe deep, and start, to see him pass the door.
His head is bowed. He thinks on men and <<link "kings" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>>.
Yea, when the <<link "sick" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'illness')).title`>><</link>> world cries, how can he sleep?
Too many peasants fight, they know not why,
Too many <<link "homesteads" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>> in black terror weep.
The <<link "sins" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sin')).title`>><</link>> of all the war-lords burn his heart.
He sees the dreadnaughts scouring every main.
He carries on his shawl-wrapped shoulders now
The bitterness, the folly and the <<link "pain" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'pain')).title`>><</link>>.
He cannot <<link "rest" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sleep')).title`>><</link>> until a <<link "spirit-dawn" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'dawn')).title`>><</link>>
Shall come;—the <<link "shining" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'light')).title`>><</link>> <<link "hope" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'hope')).title`>><</link>> of Europe <<link "free" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'freedom')).title`>><</link>>;
The league of sober folk, the Workers' Earth,
Bringing long peace to Cornland, Alp and Sea.
It breaks his heart that kings must murder still,
That all his hours of travail here for men
Seem yet in vain. And who will bring white peace
That he may <<link "sleep" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sleep')).title`>><</link>> upon his hill again?
- Vachel Lindsay, "Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight"Along the verdant fields all richly dide
With natures paintments, and with Floraes pride:
Whose goodly bounds are lively chrystall streames
Bygirt with bowres to keepe backe <<link "Phoebus beames" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sun')).title`>><</link>>:
Even when <<link "the quenchlesse torch, the worlds great eye" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sun')).title`>><</link>>,
Aduanc't his rayes orethwartly from the skye, obliquely, aslant
And by his power of heavenly influence,
Reviv'de the seeds of springs decaied essence:
Then manie flockes unite in peace and <<link "love" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>>,
Not seeking ought but <<link "naturall behove" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'justice')).title`>><</link>>,
Past quietly uncharg'd with other care,
Save of their feed within that pasture faire.
Those flockes <<link "a shepheard" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> had (of power and skill)
To fould and feed and save them from all ill:
By whose advice they liv''d: whose wholsome voyce
They heard, and fear'd with <<link "love" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>>, and did rejoyce
Therin, with mellodie of songe and praise,
And dance, to magnifie his name allwayes.
- Jean Chassanion, from "Along the Verdant Fields"<<link "Onely the Island" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'borders')).title`>><</link>> which wee <<link "sowe" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'planting')).title`>><</link>>,
(A world without the world) so farre
From present wounds, it cannot showe
<<link "An ancient skarre" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'history')).title`>><</link>>.
White Peace (the beautiful'st of things)
Seemes here <<link "her everlasting rest" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sleep')).title`>><</link>>
To fix, and spreads her <<link "downy wings" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'bird')).title`>><</link>>
Over the nest.
As when <<link "great Jove" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> usurping Reigne
From the plagu'd world did her exile
And ty'd her with a golden chaine
To one blest Isle:
Which in <<link "a sea of plenty"`either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>>
And Turtles sang on ev'ry bowgh,
A safe retreat to all that came
As ours is now:
Yet wee, as if some foe were here,
Leave the despised Fields to clownes,
And come to save our selves as twere
In <<link "walled Townes" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'city')).title`>><</link>>.
- Richard Ranshawe, from "An Ode upon Occasion of His Majesty's Proclamation"I heard <<link "the bells" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'bell')).title`>><</link>> on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and <<link "sweet" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sweetness')).title`>><</link>>
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"<<link "God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "Christmas Bells"O! thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between <<link "their lov'd home" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>>, and the war's desolation,
<<link "Blest with vict'ry" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'victory')).title`>><</link>> and peace, may the <<link "heav'n-rescued" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> land
Praise the power that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when <<link "our cause it is just" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'justice')).title`>><</link>>,
And this be our motto — "In <<link "God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> is our trust!"
And the <<link "star-spangled" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'star')).title`>><</link>> banner <<link "in triumph" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'victory')).title`>><</link>> shall wave
O'er the land of <<link "the free" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'freedom')).title`>><</link>>, and <<link "the home" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>> of the brave.
- Francis Scott Key, from "Defence of Fort M'Henry"Thus summer sees me brisk and light,
Till winter spreads her 'kerchief white;
Then to <<link "the city's social walls" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'city')).title`>><</link>>
Where tolling clock to <<link "business" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>> calls.
There the weaver's shuttle speeds
Nimbly thro' the fine-spun threads;
There the vocal anvil rings,
While the smith his hammer swings;
And every man and every boy,
Briskly join in <<link "warm employ" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'work')).title`>><</link>>,
Thro' such throng'd scenes full oft I'll range,
Oft crowd into the rich exchange:
Or to yon wharf; aside the mote,
Where <<link "the anchor'd ships" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ships')).title`>><</link>> do float,
And others, hastening into bay,
Swell their sails in fair array:
Wafting to Albion's sons the store
That each Peruvian mine can pour;
Wafting to Albion's smiling dames
The ruby's glow, the diamond's flames,
Till all the Indies rush into the Thames,
<<link "Joys" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> vast as these my fancy claims;
And <<link "Joys like these" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> if Peace inspire,
Peace with thee, I string the lyre.
- William Mason, from "Il Pacifico"Our glorious flag is floating,
<<link "Triumphantly" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'victory')).title`>><</link>> at last;
Our nation is <<link "exalting" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>>,
The rebel's die is cast;
<<link "Rebellion now is conquered" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'victory')).title`>><</link>>,
No more to lift its head,
And best of all we now can sing,
Old <<link "Slavery is dead" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'freedom')).title`>><</link>>.
Let it wave, let it wave!
Let the banner proudly wave;
Let it wave, let it wave!
But never o'er a slave.
We are a happy nation,
Because our country's <<link "free" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'freedom')).title`>><</link>>
From war and desolation,
And from bold tyranny.
The tyrant's arm is broken
Nor more to hold a slave,
This is the year of jubilee,
So let our banner wave.
- Joshua McCarter Simpson, "Let the Banner Proudly Wave"Why do they prate of the blessings of Peace? we have made them a curse,
Pickpockets, each hand <<link "lusting for all that is not its own" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sin')).title`>><</link>>;
And <<link "lust of gain" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>>, in the spirit of Cain, is it better or worse
Than the heart of the citizen hissing in war on <<link "his own hearthstone" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>>?
But these are the days of advance, the works of the men of mind,
When who but a fool would have faith in a tradesman's ware or his word?
Is it peace or war? Civil war, as I think, and that of a kind
The viler, as underhand, not openly bearing the sword.
Sooner or later I too may passively take the print
Of the golden age - why not? I have neither <<link "hope" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'hope')).title`>><</link>> nor trust;
May make my heart as a millstone, set my face as a flint,
<<link "Cheat and be cheated" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sin')).title`>><</link>>, and <<link "die" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'death')).title`>><</link>>: who knows? we are ashes and dust.
Peace sitting under her olive, and slurring the days gone by,
When the poor are <<link "hovelled and hustled together, each sex, like swine" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'dirt')).title`>><</link>>,
When only the ledger lives, and when only not all men lie;
Peace in her vineyard - yes! - but a company forges the wine.
- Alfred Lord Tennyson, from "Maud"O <<link "sun" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sun')).title`>><</link>> of real peace! O hastening <<link "light" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'light')).title`>><</link>>!
O <<link "free" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'freedom')).title`>><</link>> and extatic! O what I here, preparing, warble for!
O the <<link "sun" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sun')).title`>><</link>> of the world will ascend, dazzling, and take his height—and you too, O my Ideal, will surely ascend!
O so amazing and broad—up there resplendent, darting and burning!
O vision prophetic, stagger'd with weight of <<link "light" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'light')).title`>><</link>>! with pouring glories!
O lips of my soul, already becoming powerless!
O ample and grand Presidentiads! Now the war, the war is over!
<<link "New history" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'history')).title`>><</link>>! new heroes! I project you!
Visions of poets! only you really last! sweep on! sweep on!
O heights too swift and dizzy yet!
O purged and luminous! you threaten me more than I can stand!
(I must not venture—the ground under my feet menaces me—it will not support me:
O future too immense,)—O present, <<link "I return" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'return')).title`>><</link>>, while yet I may, to you.
- Walt Whitman, "O Sun of Real Peace"O Thou, who bad'st <<link "thy turtles" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'bird')).title`>><</link>> bear
Swift from his grasp thy golden hair,
And sought'st thy native skies:
When War, by <<link "vultures" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'bird')).title`>><</link>> drawn from far,
To Britain bent his iron car,
And bad his storms arise!
Tir'd of his rude tyrannic sway,
<<link "Our youth" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'youth')).title`>><</link>> shall fix some festive day,
His sullen shrines to burn:
But thou, who hear'st the turning spheres,
What sounds may charm thy partial ears,
And gain thy blest <<link "return" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'return')).title`>><</link>>!
O Peace, <<link "thy injur'd robes" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'garment')).title`>><</link>> up-bind,
O rise, and leave not one behind
Of all thy beamy train:
The British lion, <<link "goddess" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> <<link "sweet" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sweetness')).title`>><</link>>,
Lies stretch'd on earth to kiss thy feet,
And own thy holier <<link "reign" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>>.
Let others court thy transient smile,
But come to grace thy western isle,
By <<link "warlike Honour" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'honour')).title`>><</link>> led!
And, while around her ports <<link "rejoice" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>>,
While all her sons adore thy choice,
With him for ever wed!
- William Collins, "Ode to Peace"She comes, benign enchantress, <<link "heav'n born" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> PEACE!
With <<link "mercy" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mercy')).title`>><</link>> <<link "beaming in her radiant eye" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'light')).title`>><</link>>;
She bids the horrid din of battle cease,
And at her glance the savage passions die.
'Tis Nature's festival, <<link "let earth rejoice" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>>,
And pour to <<link "Liberty" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'freedom')).title`>><</link>> exulting songs,
In distant regions, with according voice,
Let Man <<link "the vict'ry" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'victory')).title`>><</link>> bless, its prize to Man belongs.
<<link "Resistless Freedom" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'freedom')).title`>><</link>>! when she nerves the arm,
No vulgar triumph crowns the hero's might;
She, she alone can spread a moral charm
O'er war's fell deeds, and sanctify the fight.
O, GALLIA! in this <<link "bright" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'light')).title`>><</link>> immortal hour,
How proud a trophy binds thy laurel'd brow!
Republic, hail! whose independent power
All earth contested once, all earth confesses now.
- Helen Maria Williams, from "Ode to Peace"The willing Muse, adventurous in her flight,
To thee, <<link "lov'd" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>> Peace, shall raise the untaught strain;
Her thy fair triumphs and thy arts <<link "delight" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>>,
Thy festive branch she bears and joins thy social train.
High on some wave worn cliff she views serene,
Safe on the deep, <<link "the freighted navies" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ships')).title`>><</link>> ride;
Old Ocean <<link "joys" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> to see the peaceful scene,
And bids his billows roll with an exulting tide.
Or, where Augusta's turrets cleave the skies,
She loves to mix with Art's inventive band,
Sees <<link "Industry" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>> in forms unnumber'd rise,
To scatter blessings wide, and civilize the land;
Or flies, with transport, to her native plain,
Sees <<link "corn-clad fields" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'harvest')).title`>><</link>>, fresh lawns, and pastures fair,
Sees <<link "Plenty" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>> vindicate <<link "her ancient reign" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>>,
And pour forth all her charms to crown the various year.
Richard Hurd, from "On the Peace of Aix La Chapelle, MDCCXLVII"O smooth flatterers, go over sea,
<<link "go to my country" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'borders')).title`>><</link>>;
Tell her she is “Mighty among the nations†-
do it rhetorically!
Say <<link "there are no oppressions" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'justice')).title`>><</link>>,
Say it is a time of peace,
Say that <<link "labor" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'work')).title`>><</link>> is pleasant,
Say <<link "there are no oppressions" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'justice')).title`>><</link>>,
Speak of the American virtues:
And you will not lack your reward.
Say that <<link "the keepers of shops pay a fair wage to the women" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'justice')).title`>><</link>>:
Say that all men are honest and desirous of good above all things:
You will not lack your reward.
Say that I am a traitor and a cynic,
Say that the art is well served by the ignorant pretenders:
You will not lack your reward.
- Ezra Pound, from "Pax Saturni"Now, <<link "God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> be thanked who has matched us with his hour,
And caught <<link "our youth" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'youth')).title`>><</link>>, and <<link "wakened" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'wakening')).title`>><</link>> us from <<link "sleeping" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sleep')).title`>><</link>>!
With hand made sure, clear eye, and sharpened power,
To turn, as <<link "swimmers" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'swimming')).title`>><</link>> into <<link "cleanness" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'cleanness')).title`>><</link>> leaping,
Glad from a world <<link "grown old" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'old-age')).title`>><</link>> and cold and weary;
Leave the <<link "sick hearts" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'illness')).title`>><</link>> that <<link "honor" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'honour')).title`>><</link>> could not move,
And half-men, and their <<link "dirty" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'dirt')).title`>><</link>> songs and dreary,
And all the little emptiness of love!
Oh! we, who have known shame, we have found <<link "release" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'freedom')).title`>><</link>> there,
Where there's no ill, no <<link "grief" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'grief')).title`>><</link>>, but <<link "sleep" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sleep')).title`>><</link>> has mending,
Naught broken save this body, lost but breath;
Nothing to shake the laughing heart's long peace there,
But only <<link "agony" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'pain')).title`>><</link>>, and that has ending;
And the worst friend and enemy is but <<link "Death" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'death')).title`>><</link>>.
- "Peace", Rupert BrookeSweet peace, <<link "where dost thou dwell?" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'searching')).title`>><</link>> I humbly crave,
Let me once know.
I sought thee in a secret cave
And ask'd, if Peace were there.
A hollow winde did seem to answer, No:
Go seek elsewhere.
I did; and going did a rainbow note:
Surely, thought I,
This is the lace of <<link "Peaces coat" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'garment')).title`>><</link>>:
I will search out the matter.
But while I lookt, the clouds immediately
Did break and scatter.
Then went I to a garden, and did spy
<<link "A gallant flower" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'flower')).title`>><</link>>,
The crown Imperiall: Sure, said I,
Peace at the root must dwell.
But when I digg'd, I saw a worm devoure
What show'd so well.
At length I met <<link "a rev'rend good old man" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'old-age')).title`>><</link>>:
Whom when of Peace
I did demand, he thus began;
There was <<link "a Prince" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> of old
At Salem dwelt, who liv'd with <<link "good increase" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>>
Of flock and fold.
He sweetly liv'd; yet <<link "sweetnesse" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sweetness')).title`>><</link>> did not save
His life from foes.
But after <<link "death" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'death')).title`>><</link>> out of his grave
There sprang <<link "twelve stalks of wheat" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'harvest')).title`>><</link>>:
Which many wondring at, got some of those
<<link "To plant and set" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'planting')).title`>><</link>>.
It prosper'd strangely, and did soon disperse
Through all the earth:
For they that taste it do rehearse,
That vertue lies therein;
A secret vertue bringing peace and <<link "mirth" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>>
By flight of <<link "sinne" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sin')).title`>><</link>>.
Take of this harvest, which in my garden grows,
And grows for you;
Make bread of it: and that repose
And peace, which ev'ry where
With so much earnestnesse you do pursue
Is onely there.
- George Herbert, "Peace"When will you ever, Peace, <<link "wild wooddove" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'bird')).title`>><</link>>, shy wings shut,
Your round me roaming end, and under be my boughs?
When, when, Peacè, will you, Peace? I'll not play hypocrite
To own my heart: I yield you do come sometimes; but
That <<link "piecemeal peace" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'incomplete')).title`>><</link>> is poor peace. What pure peace allows
Alarms of wars, the daunting wars, <<link "the death of it" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'death')).title`>><</link>>?
O surely, reaving Peace, <<link "my Lord" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> should leave in lieu
Some good! And so he does leave Patience exquisite,
That plumes to Peace thereafter. And when Peace here does house
He comes with work to do, he does not come to coo,
He comes to brood and sit.
- Gerard Manley Hopkins, "Peace"Suddenly <<link "bells" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'bell')).title`>><</link>> and flags!
Suddenly - door to door -
Tidings! Can we believe,
We, who were used to war?
Yet we have dreamed her face,
Knowing <<link "her light" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'light')).title`>><</link>> must be,
<<link "Knowing that she must come" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'hope')).title`>><</link>>.
Look - she comes, it is she!
Tattered her raiment floats,
Blood is upon her wings.
Ah, but her eyes are clear!
Ah, but her voice outrings!
Soon where the shrapnel fell
<<link "Petals" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'flower')).title`>><</link>> shall <<link "wake and stir" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'wakening')).title`>><</link>>.
Look - she is here, she lives!
Beauty has <<link "died" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'death')).title`>><</link>> for her.
- Agnes Lee, "Peace"<<link "Great cities" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'city')).title`>><</link>> seldom <<link "rest" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sleep')).title`>><</link>>; if there be none
T' invade from far, they'll find worse foes <<link "at home" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>>.
- Robert Herrick, "Peace Not Permanent"This afternoon was the colour of water falling through <<link "sunlight" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'light')).title`>><</link>>;
The trees glittered with the tumbling of leaves;
The sidewalks shone like alleys of dropped maple leaves,
And <<link "the houses" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>> ran along them <<link "laughing" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> out of square, open windows.
Under a tree in the park,
<<link "Two little boys" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'youth')).title`>><</link>>, lying flat on their faces,
Were carefully gathering red berries
To put in a pasteboard box.
Some day there will be no war,
Then I shall take out this afternoon
And turn it in my fingers,
And remark <<link "the sweet taste of it" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sweetness')).title`>><</link>> upon my palate,
And note the crisp variety of its flights of leaves.
To-day I can only gather it
And put it into my lunch-box,
For I have time for nothing
But the endeavour to balance myself
Upon a broken world.
- Amy Lowell, "September, 1918"Hail, <<link "heaven-born" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> Peace! thy grateful blessings pour
On this glad land, and round the peopled shore:
Thine are the joys that gild the happy scene,
Propitious days, and festive nights serene;
With thee <<link "gay Pleasure" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> frolics o'er the plain,
And <<link "smiling Plenty" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>> leads thy prosperous train.
Then oh, my friends! the task of glory done,
Th' immortal prize by your bold efforts won;
Your country's saviours, by her voice confessed,
While unborn ages rise and call you blest;
Then let us go where happier climes invite,
To midland seas, and regions of delight;
With all that's ours, together let us rise,
Seek brighter plains and more indulgent skies;
Where fair Ohio rolls his amber tide,
And nature blossoms in her virgin pride;
Where all that beauty's hand can form to please,
Shall crown the toils of war with rural ease.
- David Humphreys, from "The Address to the Armies of the United States of America"Not yet will those measureless fields <<link "be green" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'fertility')).title`>><</link>> again
Where only yesterday the wild sweet blood of <<link "wonderful youth" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'youth')).title`>><</link>> was shed;
There is a grave whose earth must hold too long, too deep a stain,
Though for ever over it we may speak as proudly as we may tread.
But here, where the watchers <<link "by lonely hearths" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>> from the thrust of an inward sword have more <<link "slowly bled" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'pain')).title`>><</link>>,
We shall build the Cenotaph: <<link "Victory, winged" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'victory')).title`>><</link>>, with Peace, winged too, at the column's head.
And over the stairway, at the foot - oh! here, leave desolate, passionate hands to spread
<<link "Violets, roses, and laurel" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'flower')).title`>><</link>> with the small sweet twinkling country things
Speaking so wistfully of other Springs
From the little gardens of little places where <<link "son or sweetheart" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'family')).title`>><</link>> was born and bred.
In <<link "splendid sleep" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sleep')).title`>><</link>>, with a thousand brothers
To lovers—to mothers
Here, too, lies he:
Under the purple, the green, the red,
It is all <<link "young life" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'youth')).title`>><</link>>: it must <<link "break some women's hearts" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'grief')).title`>><</link>> to see
Such a brave, gay coverlet to such a bed!
Only, when all is done and said,
<<link "God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> is not mocked and neither are the dead.
For this will stand in <<link "our Market-place" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>> -
Who'll sell, who'll buy
(Will you or I
Lie each to each with the better grace)?
While looking into every busy whore's and huckster's face
As they drive their bargains, is the Face
Of <<link "God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>>: and some young, piteous, murdered face.
- Charlotte Mew, "The Cenotaph"To <<link "Mercy" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mercy')).title`>><</link>>, Pity, Peace, and <<link "Love" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>>
All pray in their distress;
And to these virtues of delight
Return their thankfulness.
For <<link "Mercy" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mercy')).title`>><</link>>, Pity, Peace, and <<link "Love" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>>
Is <<link "God, our father dear" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>>,
And <<link "Mercy" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mercy')).title`>><</link>>, Pity, Peace, and <<link "Love" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>>
Is Man, his child and care.
For <<link "Mercy" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mercy')).title`>><</link>> has a human heart,
Pity a human face,
And <<link "Love" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>>, the human form divine,
And Peace, the human dress.
Then every man, of every clime,
That prays in his distress,
Prays to the human form divine,
<<link "Love" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>>, <<link "Mercy" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mercy')).title`>><</link>>, Pity, Peace.
And all must love the human form,
In heathen, Turk, or Jew;
Where <<link "Mercy" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mercy')).title`>><</link>>, Love, and Pity dwell
There <<link "God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> is dwelling too.
- William Blake, "The Divine Image"What need I tell you, in Great Britain
What <<link "Happiness" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> each Soul will light on?
No more shall wicked Lay-Men bilk
Their Teacher of Tithe-Eggs and Milk.
Quacks shall <<link "see glittring Fees come thick" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>>,
Now Folks have Money <<link "to be sick" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'illness')).title`>><</link>>.
Loud Lawyers, who for means of Living
With one another fell a striving,
Will now set others by the Ears
And plead good Neighbours into Jars.
Secure <<link "the Merchant plows the Main" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>>,
From distant Climates reaps his Gain;
Sends <<link "Spouse at home" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'family')).title`>><</link>> rich Silk and Jewel,
Which for her kind Gallant won't do ill.
Pimps, Whores and Bawds, and all the Throng
That Life and <<link "Pleasure" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> does prolong,
To Flourish, <<link "as of old" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'return')).title`>><</link>>, begin,
Now we've nought else to do but <<link "Sin" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sin')).title`>><</link>>.
- Dennis Congreve, from "The Justice of Peace"We have met here to-day on the old peace ground,
To sing you a song of cheer,
Of the noble hearts who have <<link "laboured" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'work')).title`>><</link>> long
In the cause we hold so dear.
Many are the hearts that are weary to-day,
Waiting for all wars to cease ;
Many are the hearts looking for the right,
To hail <<link "the dawn" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'dawn')).title`>><</link>> of peace.
Waiting to-day, waiting to-day,
As we meet on the old peace ground;
Waiting to-day, waiting to day,
Waiting on the old peace ground.
There is <<link "joy" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> here to-day, on the old peace ground,
For our cruel war is o'er;
And we're laboring now for the glorious day,
When war will come no more.
Hopeful are the hearts that have met here to-day,
<<link "Praying" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> for all wars to cease,
Hopeful are the hearts looking for the right,
To hail <<link "the dawn" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'dawn')).title`>><</link>> of Peace.
- from "The Old Peace Ground" by Content WhippleTheir fury quell'd, and martial rage allay'd,
I wait our heroes in the sylvan shade:
<<link "Disbanding hosts" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'leaving-weapons')).title`>><</link>> are imag'd to my mind,
And warring powers in friendly leagues combin'd,
While ease and <<link "pleasure" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> make the nations smile,
And <<link "Heaven" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> and <<link "Anna" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> bless Britannia's isle.
Well sends <<link "our queen" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> <<link "her mitred Bristol" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'diplomat')).title`>><</link>> forth,
For early counsels fam'd, and long-try'd worth;
Who, thirty rolling years, had oft withheld
The Swede and Saxon from the dusty field;
Completely form'd to heal <<link "the Christian wounds" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'pain')).title`>><</link>>,
To name <<link "the kings" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>>, and give each kingdom <<link "bounds" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'borders')).title`>><</link>>;
The face of ravag'd Nature to repair,
By leagues to soften Earth, and Heaven by prayer,
To gain by <<link "love" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>>, where rage and slaughter fail,
And make the crosier o'er the sword prevail.
Thomas Tickell, from "The Prospect of Peace"If <<link "Michael" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'angel')).title`>><</link>>, leader of <<link "God's" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> host
When Heaven and Hell are met,
Looked down on you from Heaven's door-post
He would his deeds forget.
Brooding no more upon God's wars
In his divine <<link "homestead" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>>,
He would go weave out of the stars
A chaplet for your head.
And all folk seeing him bow down,
And <<link "white stars" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'star')).title`>><</link>> tell your praise,
Would come at last to <<link "God's great town" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'city')).title`>><</link>>,
Led on by gentle ways;
And <<link "God" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> would bid His warfare cease,
Saying all things were well;
And softly make a rose peace,
A peace of Heaven with Hell.
- William Butler Yeats, "The Rose of Peace"Then upon the ground the warriors
Threw their cloaks and shirts of deer-skin,
<<link "Threw their weapons and their war-gear" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'leaving-weapons')).title`>><</link>>,
<<link "Leaped into the rushing river" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'swimming')).title`>><</link>>,
<<link "Washed" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'cleanness')).title`>><</link>> the war-paint from their faces.
Clear above them flowed the water,
Clear and limpid from the footprints
Of <<link "the Master of Life" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> descending;
Dark below them flowed the water,
Soiled and stained with streaks of crimson,
As if blood were mingled with it!
From the river came the warriors,
<<link "Clean and washed" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'cleanness')).title`>><</link>> from all their war-paint;
On the banks <<link "their clubs they buried" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'leaving-weapons')).title`>><</link>>,
Buried all their warlike weapons.
Gitche Manito, the mighty,
<<link "The Great Spirit" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>>, the creator,
Smiled upon his helpless children!
And in silence all the warriors
Broke the red stone of the quarry,
Smoothed and formed it into Peace-Pipes,
Broke the long reeds by the river,
Decked them with their brightest feathers,
And departed each one <<link "homeward" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>>,
While <<link "the Master of Life" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>>, ascending,
Through the opening of cloud-curtains,
Through the doorways of the heaven,
Vanished from before their faces,
In the smoke that rolled around him,
The Pukwana of the Peace-Pipe!
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, from "The Song of Hiawatha"HOW <<link "just" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'justice')).title`>><</link>> is ALBION'S <<link "//Triumph//" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'victory')).title`>><</link>>, when we see
<<link "AUGUSTUS HAPPY REIGN" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> <<link "reviv'd in Thee" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'history')).title`>><</link>>!
YOUR Arms have spread as far <<link "the //English// Name" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'fame')).title`>><</link>>,
As e're OCTAVIUS did <<link "the //Roman// Fame" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'fame')).title`>><</link>>.
Your //Fates// are equal: He Subdu'd the //East//:
Your Conduct Reconciles the Jarring //West//.
<<link "Contending PRINCES" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> Humbly sought his <<link "Love" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>>:
Consenting NATIONS do Your Skill approve;
And Kiss the //Hand//, from whence they do receive
The only //Blessing//, that <<link "the //Gods//" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> cou'd give.
Others have strove to <<link "Signalize their Name" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'fame')).title`>><</link>>
With hopes of //Conquest//, and <<link "Immortal //Fame//" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'fame')).title`>><</link>>.
Your SWORD was drawn with no desire of BLOOD:
But wholly guided by the PUBLICK GOOD:
They're Both United here: This GENERAL PEACE
Exalts your //Worth//, and do's <<link "our //Love//" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>> encrease.
May <<link "Heaven" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'god')).title`>><</link>> with never ceasing //Triumphs// Bless
Your //Civil// Conduct, with the like Success:
A long uninterrupted //Reign// afford,
To recompence the //Labours// of your SWORD:
Whilst <<link "WILLIAM'S" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> shining Name shall stand enroll'd
To future Age, in Lines of lasting <<link "GOLD" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>>.
- Anonymous, "The Triumphs of Peace: A Congratulatory Address to His Majesty King William III. Upon His Magnificent Entry into the City of London."One man's shoulder, another man's thigh -
The unknown soldier, <<link "here I lie" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'death')).title`>><</link>>.
<<link "Rest" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'sleep')).title`>><</link>> and quiet is all I seek,
Letting the chambermaid <<link "statesmen" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'diplomat')).title`>><</link>> speak,
Letting the peace that they begot
Rot in the quick earth as I rot,
Letting the Peace that they declared
Fall in the pit my bones have shared,
Letting <<link "the kings and queens" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> go by
One man's shoulder, another man's thigh.
- Charles A. Wagner, from "The Unknown Soldier"By yon Castle wa', at the close of the day,
I heard a man sing tho' <<link "his head it was grey" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'old-age')).title`>><</link>>;
And as he was singing, the tears doon came,
There'll never be peace till <<link "Jamie" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> comes <<link "hame" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>>.
The Church is in ruins, the State is in jars,
Delusions, oppressions, and murderous wars:
We dare na weel say't, but we ken wha's to blame,
There'll never be peace till <<link "Jamie" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> comes <<link "hame" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>>.
My seven braw sons for <<link "Jamie" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> drew sword,
But now I greet round <<link "their green beds" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'death')).title`>><</link>> in the yerd;
It <<link "brak the sweet heart" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'grief')).title`>><</link>> o' my faithful auld Dame,
There'll never be peace till <<link "Jamie" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> comes <<link "hame" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>>.
Now life is a burden that bows me down,
Sin I tint my bairns, and he tint his crown;
But till <<link "my last moments" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'death')).title`>><</link>> my words are the same,
There'll never be peace till <<link "Jamie" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ruler')).title`>><</link>> comes <<link "hame" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'home')).title`>><</link>>.
- Robert Burns, "There'll Never be Peace until Jamie Comes Hame"The Peace Pact lies on the table.
The ink is not dry where <<link "statesmen" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'diplomat')).title`>><</link>> have bent to sign it.
They have gone out, but the sound of many feet walking on the wind
Circles the house to find an entrance.
The scratching of pens continues,
Driven by invisible armies of <<link "the dead" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'death')).title`>><</link>>,
Driven by <<link "mothers of missing men" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'family')).title`>><</link>>,
By the starved children of war.
The wind that wheels about their footsteps has blown the door back against the wall.
The armies of the world pass in and out.
The wounded lean upon the table to sign. Their crutches drop with a clatter to the floor.
The fingers of the <<link "shell-shocked" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'illness')).title`>><</link>> wander, crossing the smooth page.
The page lengthens day by day. Thro' the wide-open door
Flow the feet of those who sought forgetfulness in the noise of <<link "cities" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'city')).title`>><</link>>,
In the silence between the break of waves on dim coast-lines of the world.
<<link "They have come back" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'return')).title`>><</link>>, remembering.
They come to sign for peace.
The sound of many feet walks on the wind.
Florida Watts-Smyth, "They Sign for Peace"When it is peace, then we may view <<link "again" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'return')).title`>><</link>>
With new-won eyes each other's truer form
And wonder. Grown more <<link "loving-kind" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'love')).title`>><</link>> and warm
We'll <<link "grasp firm hands and laugh" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'mirth')).title`>><</link>> at the old <<link "pain" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'pain')).title`>><</link>>,
When it is peace. But until peace, the storm
The darkness and the thunder and the rain.
- Charles Hamilton Sorley, from "To Germany"Our Foes, compell'd by Need have Peace embrac'd:
The Peace both Parties want, is like to last:
Which, if secure, securely <<link "we may trade" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>>;
Or, <<link "not secure" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'incomplete')).title`>><</link>>, shou'd never have been made.
Safe in our selves, while on our selves we stand,
The Sea is ours, and that <<link "defends the Land" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'borders')).title`>><</link>>.
Be, then, the Naval Stores the Nations Care,
<<link "New Ships" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'ships')).title`>><</link>> to build, and <<link "batter'd to repair" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'return')).title`>><</link>>.
John Dryden, from "To My Honor'd Kinsman, John Driden"Hail, sacred Peace! hail <<link "long-expected" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'searching')).title`>><</link>> days,
That Thames's glory to the stars shall raise!
Tho' Tyber's streams immortal Rome behold,
Tho' foaming Hermus <<link "swells with tydes of gold" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>>,
From heav'n itself tho' sev'n-fold Nilus flows,
And <<link "harvests" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'prosperity')).title`>><</link>> on a hundred realms bestows;
These now no more shall be the Muse's themes,
Lost in <<link "my fame" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'fame')).title`>><</link>>, as in the sea their streams.
Let Volga's banks with iron squadrons shine,
And groves of lances glitter on the Rhine,
Let barb'rous Ganges arm a servile train;
Be mine the blessings of a peaceful reign.
No more my sons shall dye with British blood
Red Iber's sands, or Ister's foaming flood;
Safe on my shore each unmolested swain
Shall tend the flocks, or reap <<link "the bearded harvest" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'harvest')).title`>><</link>>;
The shady empire shall retain no trace
Of war or blood, but in the sylvan chace;
The trumpet sleep, while chearful horns are blown,
And arms employ'd on <<link "birds" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'bird')).title`>><</link>> and beasts alone.
- Alexander Pope, from //Windsor Forest//<b>Welcome to the Peace Hyperanthology.</b>
Here, you can <<link "enter the Hyperanthology" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'poem')).title`>><</link>>, or read the introduction below.
The Peace Hyperanthology was compiled as part of the Visualising Peace by Thomas Frost, a 4th year student of English at the University of St Andrews. You can find out more about the project, and access its other outputs, on its website, [[here|https://vpp.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/]].
The Hyperanthology contains 40 poems and extracts from poems in the public domain which all represent or reflect on peace in some way. Where one of them uses the same or a similar image of peace as another, the image has been turned into a hyperlink which will take you to another randomly selected poem using a comparable image. Some images of peace occur in most of the poems, while others occur only in a couple. The aim of this resource is to facilitate comparison of recurring images of peace across multiple contexts, which in turn will help us think critically about the different ways in which peace has been (and can be) visualised.
The poems included range from the 16th century to the early 20th century. All are in the English language, except for one which is in Scots. Most of them were written in Britain, but a few come from the USA. Some are well-known today, and some were published in small magazines and then mostly forgotten. The vast majority were written by wealthy white men, because of historical inequalities in access to the means of writing and publishing. Their biases are worth bearing in mind as you explore their visualisations of peace.
All of them concern, in one way or another, peace in the public sphere, but what appears a peaceful society to one person will often look very different to someone else. The anthology doesn't endorse any of these poems, which are included only because they were understood by their authors as visions of peace. It is worthwhile to think about whose experiences each of these visions of peace leaves out, and whose they amplify. For instance, do they have a habit of visualising peace from the perspective of kings and conquerors, or through the lens of ordinary citizens? To what extent are their visions of peace bound up with war and soldiering, and do any visualise peace without reference to conflict? What role does religion play in their representations of peace, and which human beings are credited with forging or fighting for it?
The Visualising Peace project understands narratives as a world-building tool: the stories that we tell and the pictures that we paint do not just reflect the world we live in but also help to shape it, by influencing our habits of thought and behaviour. What kind of world do these poems reflect, and what kinds of peace might they encourage us to build? How influential do you think poetry of this sort has been in cementing particular ideas/ideals of peace? If you were writing a peace poem, what images might you include or reject, and why?
When you <<link "enter the Hyperanthology" `either(Story.lookup('tags', 'poem')).title`>><</link>>, you'll be taken to a random entry. We hope you enjoy browsing!