OLOR ISCANUS queries: "Why should we Vex at the land's ridiculous miserie?" So on his Usk banks, in the blood-red dawn Of England's civil strife, did careless Vaughan Bemock his times. O friends of many years! Though faith and trust are stronger than our fears, And the signs promise peace with liberty, Not thus we trifle with our country's tears And sweat of agony. The future's gain Is certain as God's truth; but, mean-while, pain Is bitter and tears are salt: our voices take A sober tone; our very household songs Are heavy with a nation's griefs and wrongs; And innocent mirth is chastened for the sake Of the brave hearts that nevermore shall beat, The eyes that smile no more, the unreturning feet! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE TWO OLD BACHELORS by EDWARD LEAR THE PASSIONATE SHEPHERD TO HIS LOVE by CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE MONNA INNOMINATA, A SONNET OF SONNETS: 3 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI IDYLLS OF THE KING: TO THE QUEEN by ALFRED TENNYSON THE WORLD (1) by HENRY VAUGHAN TRACT by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS TWO SONGS FROM THE PERSIAN: 1 by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH TWELVE SONNETS: 1. THY SWEETNESS by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) |