Apt names to great men oft we see are given, Whether by accident, or will of Heaven: For Chance, though blind, looks through the future ages, And in a pregnant NAME the truth presages. So thou, to whom the State commits her voice, Whether fresh War or Treaties by thy choice, Not idly thou a doubtful style dost bear, Whose double meaning will thy part declare. This threatens War, the other breathes of Peace; Of @3Janus@1' iron locks thou hast the keys. What need our will on parchment to indite, And frame accustom'd guille with cunning sleight? Thy NAME's an embassy, though void of speech, As by a secret scroll our terms to teach. Say, @3Dutchmen@1, is it Oliver or St. John? Jerusalem's fate had naught less fine to hinge on. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ISAIAH, JEREMIAH, EXEKIEL, DANIEL by MARIANNE MOORE SONNET (6) by GEORGE SANTAYANA HELEN OF TROY by SARA TEASDALE EPISTLE TO JAMES SMITH by ROBERT BURNS THE KNIGHTS: DEMOS AND HIS FLATTERER by ARISTOPHANES |