Peace Not Permanence

'Tis never, or but seldom known,
Power and peace to keep one throne.

If kings and kingdoms once distracted be,
The sword of war must try the sovereignty

None goes to warfare but with this intent -
The gains must dead the fears of detriment.

O times most bad,
Without the scope
Of hope
Of better to be had!

Where shall I go,
Or whither run
To shun
This public overthrow?

No places are,
This I am sure,
Secure
In this our wasting war.

Some storms we've past,
Yet we must all
Down fall,
And perish at the last.

We pray 'gainst war, yet we enjoy no peace;
Desire deferr'd is that it may increase.

How long, Perenna, wilt thou see
Me languish for the love of thee?
Consent, and play a friendly part
To save, when thou may'st kill a heart.