PEACE Were half the power that fills the world with terror, Were half the wealth bestowed on camps and courts, Given to redeem the human mind from error There were no need of arsenals and forts. And The warrior's name would be a name abhorred! Would wear forevermore the curse of Cain. Down the dark future, through long generations, grow I hear once more the voice of Christ say, "Peace!" Peace! and no longer from its brazen portals The blast of war's great organ shakes the skies! But, beautiful as songs of the immortals, The holy melodies of love arise. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "The Arsenal at Springfield." |