PEACE.
Reading edition
Peace has a dwelling near a river Where the darkened waters quiver. Where the ripple we can hear Bursting on the pebbly shore, Making music soft and clear For evermore, for evermore. Peace has a dwelling near a wood Where the cooing pigeons brood, Where the sweet-voiced nightingale Unto the moon her song doth pour, And songsters swell the echoing vale For evermore, for evermore. Peace has a dwelling in the soul That can its hopes and fears control; In silent wood or city's din Alike it may be found to dwell; Its dearest home is that within The chastened heart's profoundest cell. Peace has a dwelling where no more The ear can hear the torrent roar, Or lists the rippling of the river, As softly it turns up its wave, Where never more the moon-beams quiver Within the silent grave. Peace—oh, thou white-garmented Maiden, with the flower-decked head, Come, make thy mansion in my heart! A tenant thou shalt freely rest, And thou shalt soothe each bitter smart That racks the chambers of my breast Charles Dryden.