To Samuel E. Sewall And Harriet W. Sewall, Of Melrose
By John Greenleaf Whittier
Olor Iscanus queries: Why should we
Vex at the lands ridiculous miserie?
So on his Usk banks, in the blood-red dawn
Of Englands civil strife, did careless Vaughan
Bemock his times. O friends of many years!
Though faith and trust are stronger than our fears,
And the signs promise peace with liberty,
Not thus we trifle with our countrys tears
And sweat of agony. The futures gain
Is certain as Gods truth; but, meanwhile, pain
Is bitter and tears are salt: our voices take
A sober tone; our very household songs
Are heavy with a nations griefs and wrongs;
And innocent mirth is chastened for the sake
Of the brave hearts that nevermore shall beat,
The eyes that smile no more, the unreturning feet