Let me once know.

     I sought you in a secret cave,

               And asked, if Peace were there.

A hollow winds did seem to answer, "No;

                         Go seek elsewhere."

I did; and going did a rainbow note:

                         Surely, thought I,

     This is the lace of Peace’s coat:

               I will search out the matter.

But while I looked, the clouds immediately

                         Did break and scatter.

Then went I to a garden, and did spy

                         A gallant flower,

     The Crown Imperial: "Sure," said I,

               "Peace at the root must dwell."

But when I dug, I saw a worm devour

                         What showed so well.

At length I met a rev'rend good old man,

                         Whom when for Peace

     I did demand, he thus began:

               "There was a Prince of old

At Salem dwelt, who lived with good increase

                         Of flock and fold.

"He sweetly lived; yet sweetness did not save

                         His life from foes.

     But after death out of his grave

               There sprang twelve stalks of wheat:

Which many wond'ring at, got some of those

                         To plant and set.

"It prospered strangely, and did soon disperse

                         Through all the earth:

     For they that taste it do rehearse,

               That virtue lies therein,

A secret virtue bringing peace and mirth

                         By flight of sin.

"Take of this grain, which in my garden grows,

                         And grows for you;

     Make bread of it: and that repose

               And peace, which ev'ry where

With so much earnestness you do pursue,

                         Is only there.”