 | The Poetical Works of (Richard Monckton Milnes) Lord Houghton |  |
278
ON THE PEACE
May, 1856.
Come in, wild Hopes! that towards the dawning East
Uprose so high: now be content to stand,
Like hooded hawks upon the falconer's hand,
Awhile expectant of the promised feast.
Peace is proclaimed! the captives are releast!
Yet yearns the exile from the alien strand,—
Yet chafes and struggles Europe's fairest land,—
Untamed by priestly kings or kingly priest.
O blessed Peace! if peace were peace indeed,—
Based upon justice and the eternal laws
Which make the free intent of Man the cause
Of all enduring thought and virtuous deed.
But 'tis not so: we know we do but pause,
Awaiting fiercer strife and nobler meed.
| The Poetical Works of (Richard Monckton Milnes) Lord Houghton | |