AS upon France, with longing eagerness, One day I gazed from Dover on the sea, I called to mind the pleasant happiness I in her realm enjoyed when I was free; And my heart sighed, and sorrowed bitterly. Still some cheer did it give, some gloom repel, France to behold once more, I love so well. Then I bethought me it was foolishness That sorrows harboured in my heart should be, Since do we now some likelihood possess That soon we shall in blessed peace agree-- Thought which in part allays my misery. Still my tired heart unceasing longings swell, France to behold again, I love so well. Then in the good ship Esperance I press All my desires and hopes, and urge that she Shall cross the envious strait with speediness, And waft me on to France, where I would be. And oh! may God a lasting peace decree, So full contentment in my heart would dwell, France to behold once more, I love so well. Peace is a treasure none too much can praise; War I detest, which ruins and betrays, And hinders me this long and weary spell France to behold once more, I love so well. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FOR DECORATION DAY: 1861-1865 by RUPERT HUGHES A MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY by HENRY VAN DYKE INSCRIPTIONS: 4 by MARK AKENSIDE THE CHEAT OF CUPID; OR THE UNGENTLE GUEST by ANACREON ST. MARTIN'S WALL by ANTON ALEXANDER VON AUERSPERG |