 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
Do Nations Ever Become Insane?
May not whole nations, as the single man,Become insane; and know not what they do:
Deep-reasoning Butler asked. Past history scan,
How oft its page proves his suggestion true.
Founded on force, they their own law obey;
The slaves of passion, and the lust of power;
With no strong love for peace, or reason's sway,
They folly serve, the madness of the hour!
When will the law of Peace by all be known,
Discord and war be banished from the earth;
His lower nature be by man outgrown,
And men assert their higher, nobler birth;
516
And history cease war's madness to record?
Poem No. 326; c. 30 April 1878
| Jones Very : The Complete Poems | |