SONG CLXXIII. The TEMPEST of WAR

Let the Tempest of War, Be heard from afar, While the Trumpets, and Cannons, Alarms. Let the Valleys around with Echo resound, And a terrible Claspin of Arms. Let Rivers of Blood run down in a Flood, While Mortals are Gasping for Breath, Let the Brave if they will. By Honour and Skill, Seek Glory and Conquest in Death. To live safe and retire, Is all my desire, With my Flocks and my Cloe possest: For with them we obtain True Peace, without Pain, And a lasting Enjoyment of Rest. In a Cottage, or Cell where Shepherds do dwell, In Innocence Freedom and Ease: We lead peaceable Lives who are blest with good Wives, That study their Husbands to please; What Blessings below can Heaven Bestow, Excelling, such quiet as this, No Affliction come here no Grief interfere, To lessen our Measure of Bliss.