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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ON THE PEACE; MAY, 1856 by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES

Poet Analysis

First Line: COME IN, WILD HOPES! THAT TOWARDS THE DAWNING EAST
Last Line: AWAITING FIERCER STRIFE AND NOBLER MEED.
Subject(s): CRIMEAN WAR (1853-1856); PEACE;

COME in, wild Hopes! that towards the dawning East
Uprose so high: now be content to stand,
Like hooded hawks upon the falconer's hand,
A while expectant of the promised feast.
Peace is proclaimed! the captives are releast!
Yet yearns the exile from the alien strand, --
Yet chafes and struggles Europe's fairest land, --
Untamed by priestly kings or kingly priest.
O blessed Peace! if peace were peace indeed, --
Based upon justice and the eternal laws
Which make the free intent of Man the cause
Of all enduring thought and virtuous deed.
But 'tis not so: we know we do but pause,
Awaiting fiercer strife and nobler meed.



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