Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. V. Browning to Rupert Brooke

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

Misrepresentation

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 thy 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!