The Mind

Peace, there is nothing more for men to speak

by Lord de Tabley (John Leicester Warren) 1835–1895

The Mind

Peace, there is nothing more for men to speak;
A larger wisdom than our lips' decrees.
Of that dumb mouth no longer reason seek.
No censure reaches that eternal peace,
And that immortal ease.

Believe them not that would disturb the end
With earth's invidious comment, idly meant.
Speak and have done thine evil; for my friend
Is gone beyond all human discontent,
And wisely went.

Say what you will and have your sneer and go.
You see the specks, we only heed the fruit
Of a great life, whose truth — men hate truth so —
No lukewarm age of compromise could suit.
Laugh and be mute!

MLA

Lord de Tabley (John Leicester Warren). “Peace, there is nothing more for men to speak.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/de-tabley/3/.

Chicago

Lord de Tabley (John Leicester Warren). “Peace, there is nothing more for men to speak.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/de-tabley/3/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Lord de Tabley (John Leicester Warren)