And the Christ who came when the angels sang
Will come, if the song we renew,
And reign in his kingdom,—the Prince of Peace,—
Reigning over myself and you.
O, then, may I be unto you always kind,
And be you unto me always true;
So the land may rest from its turmoil and strife,
And the sword may have nothing to do.
[BY THE SEA]
AN ARGUMENT FOR PEACE
"You do but dream; the world will never see
Such time as this you picture, when the sword
Shall lie inglorious in its sheath, and be
No more of valorous deeds incentive or reward."
The ocean breezes fanned them where they sat,
At leisure from life's conflict, toil and care,
Yet not unthoughtful, nor unmindful that
In all its weal and woe they held their share.
The rose-light charm and pride of earliest youth
A chastening touch had toned to lovelier hue,
And the white soul of purity and truth
Looked out alike from eyes of brown and blue.
"I covet your fair hope," he spake again,
"I cannot share it; all the hoary past
Denies that mightier prowess of the pen
The poet claims, and proves it still surpassed
"By sword and musket and the arts of war.
And 'twere not so,—the query will return,
Albeit such conflict we must all abhor—
How should the fires of patriotism burn?