WHO shall declare the glory of the World, The natural World before Man's form was seen? Fair stainless planet through the heavens hurled, And clothed in garments of immortal green! What depths of forest girt her! What serene Pastures were hers for cattle numberless Owning no lord save her, their guileless queen, Dear Nature's self who ruled them but to bless! If there was war in Heaven, peace reigned on Earth. Not by disease did the world's life grow tame, But by the hand of God, in drought or dearth Or sudden palsy when the lion came. Death! who should fear him or his mercy sue, Whose last pang was the first each creature knew? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LOST SHEEP by ELIZABETH CECILIA CLEPHANE CYNTHIADES: TO CYNTHIA ON CONCEALMENT OF HER BEAUTY by FRANCIS KYNASTON THE RETORT by GEORGE POPE MORRIS SOUTH WIND by SIEGFRIED SASSOON BAYARD TAYLOR by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH THE FAIRY KING by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 29. CHRIST AND ENGLAND by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) |