On Peace

O Peace! and dost thou with thy presence bless

   The dwellings of this war-surrounded isle,

Soothing with placid brow our late distress,

   Making the triple kingdom brightly smile?

Joyful I hail thy presence; and I hail

   The sweet companions that await on thee;

Complete my joy—let not my first wish fail,

   Let the sweet mountain nymph thy favourite be,

With England's happiness proclaim Europa's liberty.

O Europe! let not sceptred tyrants see

   That thou must shelter in thy former state;

Keep thy chains burst, and boldly say thou art free;

   Give thy kings law—leave not uncurbed the great;

   So with the honours past thou'lt win thy happier fate.