Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE PEACEFUL SHEPHERD, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
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.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...



Home: PoetryExplorer.net