Читать книгу A Book of Christian Sonnets - william Allen - Страница 8

4. ON WAR. (notes)

"Thou shalt not kill,"—the Almighty God hath said.

Then, Mighty Kings! who glory in your shame

And swim in blood to gain a hero's name,

What awful doom—with all your greatness fled—

When, rising with your subjects from the dead,

Ye stand in judgment? What will then be fame?

And will not fiery courage be quite tame;—

On ev'ry side th' Almighty's terrors spread?

O, Living Monarchs! within reach of grace,

Of love and mercy from the throne of God,

Forgiveness may ye find, and faith t' embrace

The offer'd pardon through redeeming blood;

Then to the world great Benefactors prove,

Your pride exchang'd for happy subjects' love!