TOURING QUEBFX AND THE MARITIMES 91 PEACE I am no truce of armed and weary kings, Unnerving men thru mock security; I am no quiet form with folded wings Holding the shield of radiant victory. They shout my name, who never see my face, Though I am standing in the market place. My law is life. From out primeval clay I led unconscious breath thru forms uncouth, And from the whole I shaped, as day meets day, Mankind, to whom I give long hours of youth. How shall he guard this perilous of gifts? He leads who learns to serve; he serves who lifts. Within the tumult of rude savage prime I drew the fireside from the warrior's path; Circled the child with safety, for all time: I judge a man to sin, who kills in wrath; I free the hunter from his will to roam, I cause the shelter to become a home. Out of brute force, I mould a moral strength; Forge a large justice, conquer selfish greed; Banding the nations slowly, till at length Honor is made obedient to my creed. Cities and states shall league by land and sea, United as they work at my command. I am the power thru which a single soul Quickens the state, if he but loyal be. I am the struggle of the toiling whole, Rising to form creative energy. Know me and learn that I am present here; Full growth is gained thru love and not thru fear. I am the end, for which the human will Masters a planet to the common good. I am the social conscience, weak until The needs of living men are understood. I was established when the world began; I am the Spirit of the God of man. —■ Harrietta Taber Richardson By special permission of the author." a