CONCORD.
Reading edition
What concord hath Christ with Belial?—II. Corinthians, vi. 15.
But lovely concord, and most sacred peace, Doth nourish virtue, and fast friendship breedes; Weake she makes strong, and strong things does increase, Till it the pitch of highest praise exceedes— Brave be her warres, as honourable deedes, By which she triumphs over ire and pride, And winnes an olive garden for her meedes. Spenser.
One shall rise Of proud ambitious heart, who, not content With fair equality, fraternal state, Will arrogate dominion undeserved Over his brethren, and quite dispossess Concord, and law of nature from the earth. Milton.
E’en as the dew, that, at the break of morning, All nature with its beauty is adorning, And flows for Heaven, calm and still, And bathes the tender grass on Zion’s hill, And to the young and withering herb resigns The drops for which it pines: So are fraternal peace and concord ever The cherishers without whose guidance, never Would sainted quiet seek the breast,— The life, the soul of unmolested rest,— The antidote to sorrow and distress, And prop of human happiness. Kamphuyzen.
It is not once an age two hearts are set So well in unison, that not a note Jars in their music; but a skilful hand Slurs lightly over the discordant tones, And wakens only the full power of those That sound in concord. Happy, happy those Who thus perform in the grand concert—life. Mrs. Southey.