The Gospel of Peace

By James Jeffrey Roche (1847–1908)

The captain and several of the crew of the ship Virginius, captured by the Spaniards in Cuban waters were executed at Santiago de Cuba, Nov. 7, 1873. The affair almost caused a rupture between Spain and the United States, and was finally settled by the payment of an indemnity by the Spanish government.

AY, let it rest! And give us peace.

’Tis but another blot

On Freedom’s fustian flag, and gold

Will gild the unclean spot.

Yes, fold the hands, and bear the wrong

As Christians over-meek,

And wipe away the bloody stain,

And turn the other cheek.

What boots the loss of freemen’s blood

Beside imperilled gold?

Is honor more than merchandise?

And cannot pride be sold?

Let Cuba groan, let patriots fall;

Americans may die;

Our flag may droop in foul disgrace,

But “Peace!” be still our cry.

Ay, give us peace! And give us truth

To nature, to resign

The counterfeit which Freedom wears

Upon her banner fine.

Remove the Stars,—the light our shame;

But keep the Stripes of gore

And craven White, to tell the wrong

A prudent nation bore.

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