Time was when none presumed to say that they
Could greater nature lover be than I;
And yet ofttimes beneath serenest sky
Beheld I deadliest strife that held at bay
A sense of peace: for with intent to slay,
It seemed, all creatures great and small did lie
In wait, their strength against the weak to try,
With none their cruel ravages to stay.
Ah, now I know how mortal sense beclouds
The true creation wherein all is peace:
Like scroll there rolleth back that which enshrouds
The prophet vision of all pain's surcease,
And with enraptured vision I behold
The lion and the lamb within one fold.
