Had known nought but deadly hatred and contentions sad and sore—
Nought but deadly strife and hatred and contentions sad and sore,
Going on for evermore.
And I thought, all this is blameful, ’tis not only sad but shameful,
All this plundering and oppressing and this spilling lakes of gore,
’Tis the nation that is stronger that has been the other’s wronger,
Let her play this part no longer, but this cruelty give o’er,
Turn to ways of love and kindness, and this cruelty give o’er,
And have peace for evermore.
While unto myself thus speaking, on the stairs I heard a creaking