p. 108 | THE REIGN OF PEACE by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 19, 1892

THE REIGN OF PEACE.

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

WERE half the power that fills the world with terror, Were half the wealth bestowed on camps and courts, Given to redeem the human soul from error, There were no need of arsenals and forts. The warrior's name would be a name abhorred; And every nation that should lift again Its hand against a brother, on its forehead Would wear forevermore the curse of Cain. Down the dark future, through long generations, The echoing sounds grow fainter and then cease; And, like a bell, with solemn, sweet vibrations, I hear once more the voice of Christ say, "Peace." Peace and no longer from its brazen portals The blast of war's great organ shakes the skies, But beautiful as songs of the immortals, The holy melodies of love arise. —Longfellow.