Page:Armistice Day.djvu/103

Rh "Peace. Throw down that mask you are making. 'Twill never be needed. No human being shall ever again be tortured by those fumes from hell.

"Peace. Stop hammering so madly. That ship will never carry ammunition. We kill no more. It is past.

"Peace. Blow the trumpet, beat the drum, shout aloud and dance for joy. The hand of the war fiend is lifted. We kill no more nor are killed.

"Peace. Bring flowers and strew them.

"Peace, Let the pent-up tears of the horrible years flow in gladness.

"Peace. Let the feet that were heavy with sadness dance in joy to the bells and the bugles.

"Peace. The boys will be coming. Lay down the needles and the mud-colored wool and the rolls of white bandages. Hurry. Hang out the flags and the banners.

"Peace. They'll be hungry and war-worn and weary. Beat up the cakes and pile in the raisins and citron. Polish once more, for the hundredth time, the chairs and the tables. Home must be shining its welcome. How soon will the ships turn homeward? Soon. Hear the bells and the horns and the music.

"Peace. The boys are coming. Hurry and hang out the flags and the banners. Count again