John Keats' "On Peace" was written in response to Napoleon's escape from Elba in April 1814, and the beginning of the Hundred Days War. Keats is expressing political views taken from Leigh Hunt's Examiner, who favored a constitutional monarchy.

On Peace

Oh Peace! and dost thou with thy presence bless
The dwellings of this war-surrounded isle;
Soothing with placid brow our late distress,
Making the triple kingdom brightly smile?
Joyful I hail thy presence; and I hail
The sweet companions that await on thee;
Complete my joy--let not my first wish fail,
Let the sweet mountain nymph thy favorite be,
With England's happiness proclaim Europa's liberty.
Oh Europe, let not sceptred tyrants see
That thou must shelter in thy former state;
Keep thy chains burst, and boldly say thou art free;
Give thy kings law--leave not uncurbed the great;
So with the horrors past thou'lt win thy happier fate.

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