Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE MEN OF WAR, by HENRY VAUGHAN Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If any have an ear Last Line: But the blood of the blessed lamb. Alternate Author Name(s): Silurist | ||||||||
If any have an ear Saith holy John, then let him hear. He that into captivity Leads others, shall a captive be. Who with the sword doth others kill, A sword shall his blood likewise spill. Here is the patience of the saints, And the true faith, which never faints. Were not thy word (dear Lord!) my light, How would I run to endless night, And persecuting thee and thine, Enact for saints myself and mine. But now enlightened thus by thee, I dare not think such villainy; Nor for a temporal self-end Successful wickedness commend. For in this bright, instructing verse Thy saints are not the conquerors; But patient, meek, and overcome Like thee, when set at naught and dumb. Armies thou hast in Heaven, which fight, And follow thee all clothed in white, But here on earth (though thou hast need) Thou wouldst no legions, but wouldst bleed. The sword wherewith thou dost command Is in thy mouth, not in thy hand, And all thy saints do overcome By thy blood, and their martyrdom. But seeing soldiers long ago Did spit on thee, and smote thee too; Crowned thee with thorns, and bowed the knee, But in contempt, as still we see, I'll marvel not at ought they do, Because they used my Saviour so; Since of my Lord they had their will, The servant must not take it ill. Dear Jesus give me patience here, And faith to see my crown as near And almost reached, because 'tis sure If I hold fast and slight the lure. Give me humility and peace, Contented thoughts, innoxious ease, A sweet, revengeless, quiet mind, And to my greatest haters kind. Give me, my God! a heart as mild And plain, as when I was a child; That when thy throne is set, and all These conquerors before it fall, I may be found (preserved by thee) Amongst that chosen company, Who by no blood (here) overcame But the blood of the blessed Lamb. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest... |
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