The Two Songs

I heard an Angel singing
When the day was springing
" Mercy, Pity, and Peace
Are the world's release."

So he sang all day
Over the new-mown hay,
Till the sun went down,
And haycocks looked brown.

I heard a Devil curse
Over the heath and furze:
" Mercy could be no more
If there were nobody poor,

And Pity no more could be
If all were happy as ye:
And mutual fear brings Peace.
Misery's increase

Are Mercy, Pity, Peace."
At his curse the sun went down,
And the heavens gave a frown.