X.

And he who chooses warfare as the life
Most suited to his predilections, he
Who finds his happiness in constant strife,
Will hardly honour peace and amity.
In bloodshed living, gentle virtues all
A victim to his martial taste will fall.

XI.

In ancient days, when men were more uncouth
Than now they are, it might be well, perchance,
That they should study warfare, for, in sooth,
The man who knew not how to poise the lance
Or wield the mighty battle-axe, was then
Despised and scorned by all his fellow-men.

XII.

But now the code of honour should not be
As crude and rough as in that ancient day.
The onward march of Christianity
Should sweep the sword and battle-axe away;
And Love, the creed which Christ our Master taught,
Should bring the pride of martial skill to nought.

XIII.

Let man still glory in the strength and might
That God has given him. But it were well
That he should use it not at all to fight
Against his fellow-men. He still can dwell
In peace with them, and yet retain the power
Which is his great and justly-valued dower.

XIV.

I turn me from the thoughts of war, and gaze
With pleased eyes upon this little bay.
So bright a scene, in all my exiled days,
I have not looked upon; and like a ray
Of light upon my darkened life it seems,
Reviving hope within me by its beams.