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The Lessons of History Unlearned
Again doth France, unhappy France, beholdRenewed the scenes of terror and of crime;
Still unprepared for Freedom, as of old,
Though passed almost a century of time.
Of her long history how sad the end,
Freedom by King and People both betrayed!
While faction doth the boastful city rend,
And for another age is Peace delayed.
So doth a noble river, that should bless
And fertilize its banks on either side,
Bursting its bounds, bring ruin and distress,
And desolate a happy region wide!
Ah, when shall man, if not by reason taught,
Learn from the wondrous works in Nature wrought?
Poem No. 27; c. 16 June 1871
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