Classic Poem

" Within yon world-wide cirque of war
What's hidden that they fight so for?"
My guide made answer, " Rich increase
Of virtue and use, which are by peace,
And peace by war. That inner ring
Are craftsmen, working many a thing
For use, and, these within, the wise
Explore the grass and read the skies."
" Can the stars" motions give me peace,
Or the herbs' virtues mine increase?
Of all this triple shell," said I,
" Would that I might the kernel spy!"
A narrower circle then I reach'd,
Where sang a few and many preach'd
Of life immortal. " But," I said,
" The riddle yet I have not read.
Life I must know, that care I may
For life in me to last for aye."
Then he, " Those voices are a charm
To keep you dove-cot out of harm."
In the centre, then, he show'd a tent,
Where, laughing safe, a woman bent
Over her babe, and, her above,
Lean'd in his turn a graver love.
" Behold the two idolatries
By which," cried he, " the world defies
Chaos and death, and for whose sake
All else must war and work and wake."