 | Three Hundred Sonnets |  |
240
THE PARTING GUESTS.
That all hath sped so well these brilliant daysOf England's welcome to our brother France,
That no dark storm, no terrible mischance
Hath marr'd the glorious Fact,—give God the praise!
For He doth guide the wheels of circumstance,
Ordaining all this whirl of men and things,
The spirit of Peoples and the hearts of Kings:
Yet did we fear, in that mixed multitude
Acclaiming joyously,—lest some black mind,
Some exiled caitiff of Barabbas brood,
Might dare a crime to horrify mankind;
Those fears were evil,—for our God is good:
The precious pledges lent by France to us
We have restored in happy safety thus.
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