Christopher Smart: Rejoice with the dove. Pray that all guns be nailed up.

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Anti-war essays, poems, short stories and literary excerpts
British writers on peace and war
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Christopher Smart
From Jubilate Agno
For I bless the PRINCE of PEACE and pray that all the guns may be nail’d up, save such are for the rejoicing days.

For I meditate the peace of Europe amongst family bickerings and domestic jars.

For he that walked upon the sea, hath prepared the floods with the Gospel of peace.

Let Maaseiah bless with the Drone, who with the appearance of a Bee is neither a soldier nor an artist, neither a swordsman nor smith.

Let Elias which is the innocency of the Lord rejoice with the Dove.

Let Jael rejoice with the Plover, who whistles for his live, and foils the marksmen and their guns.

Let Zurishaddai with the Polish Cock rejoice – The Lord restore peace to Europe.

Let Chesed rejoice with Strepsiceros, whose weapons are the ornaments of his peace.

Let Ibhar rejoice with the Pochard – a child born in prosperity is the chiefest blessing of peace.

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