Page:Songs before sunrise (IA beforesunrisongs00swinrich).pdf/256

 Without torch or dancers’ din Round the unsacred marriage-bed! For of old the sweet-tongued law, Freedom, clothed with all men’s love, Girt about with all men’s awe, With the wild war-eagle mated The white breast of peace the dove, And his ravenous heart abated And his windy wings were furled In an eyrie consecrated Where the snakes of strife uncurled, And her soul was soothed and sated With the welfare of the world.

But now, close-clad with peace, While war lays hand on Greece, The kingdoms and their kings stand by to see; “Aha, we are strong,” they say, “We are sure, we are well,” even they; “And if we serve, what ails ye to be free? We are warm, clothed round with peace and shame; But ye lie dead and naked, dying for a name.”

O kings and queens and nations miserable, O fools and blind, and full of sins and fears,