Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PEACE ON EARTH, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PEACE ON EARTH, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: What means this glory round our feet
Last Line: "to-day the prince of peace is born!"
Variant Title(s): A Christmas Carol For The Sunday-school Children Of Church Of The Disciples
Subject(s): Christmas Carols; Peace


"WHAT means this glory round our feet,"
The Magi mused, "more bright than morn?"
And voices chanted clear and sweet,
"To-day the Prince of Peace is born!"

"What means that star," the Shepherds said,
"That brightens through the rocky glen?"
And angels, answering overhead,
Sang, "Peace on earth, good-will to men!"

'T is eighteen hundred years and more
Since those sweet oracles were dumb;
We wait for Him, like them of yore;
Alas, He seems so slow to come!

But it was said, in words of gold
No time or sorrow e'er shall dim,
That little children might be bold
In perfect trust to come to Him.

All round about our feet shall shine
A light like that the wise men saw,
If we our loving wills incline
To that sweet Life which is the Law.

So shall we learn to understand
The simple faith of shepherds then,
And, clasping kindly hand in hand,
Sing, "Peace on earth, good-will to men!"

And they who do their souls no wrong,
But keep at eve the faith of morn,
Shall daily hear the angel-song,
"To-day the Prince of Peace is born!"





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