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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PEACEFUL SHEPHERD by ROBERT FROST

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: IF HEAVEN WERE TO DO AGAIN
Last Line: As well have been the Sword
Subject(s): RELIGION; THEOLOGY;

If heaven were to do again,
And on the pasture bars,
I leaned to line the figures in
Between the dotted stars,

I should be tempted to forget,
I fear, the Crown of Rule,
The Scales of Trade, the Cross of Faith,
As hardly worth renewal.

For these have governed in our lives,
And see how men have warred.
The Cross, the Crown, the Scales may all
As well have been the Sword.



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