By the world's business that engrossed so much

My father and my brother: if I peered

From out my privacy,—amid the crash

And blaze of nations, domineered those two.

'Twas war, peace—France our foe, now—England, friend—

In love with Spain—at feud with Austria! Well—

I wondered, laughed a moment's laugh for pride

In the chivalrous couple, then let drop

My curtain—"I am out of it," I said—

When ...