Poems — Blessed are the Peace Makers

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

Of old with a divided heart I saw my people's pride expand, Since a man's soul is torn apart By mother earth and fatherland.

I knew, through many a tangled tale, Glory and truth not one but two: King, Constable, and Amirail Took me like trumpets: but I knew A blacker thing than blood's own dye Weighed down great Hawkins on the sea;

And Nelson turned his blindest eye On Naples and on liberty.

Therefore to you my thanks, O throne, O thousandfold and frozen folk, For whose cold frenzies all your own The Battle of the Rivers broke;

Who have no faith a man could mourn.

Nor freedom any man desires;

But in a new clean light of scorn Close up my quarrel with my sires;

Who bring my English heart to me, Who mend me like a broken toy;

Till I can see you fight and flee, And laugh as if I were a boy.