_Peace!_--But there is no peace. To hug the thought
Is but to clasp a lover who thinks lies.
Go: look your earnest neighbor in the eyes
And read the answer there. Peace is not bought
By distance from the fight. Peace must be fought
And bled for: ’tis a dream whose horrid price
Is haggled for by dread realities;
Peace is not paid till dreamers are distraught.
Would we not close our ears against these ills,
Urging our hearts: “Be calm! America
Is called soon to rebuild a world.”--But ah!
How shall we nobly build with neutral wills?
Can we be calm while Belgian anguish thrills?
Or would we crown with peace--Caligula?