There never was a war that wasnot inward; I mustfight till I have conquered in myself whatcauses war, but I would not believe it.I inwardly did nothing.O Iscariotlike crime!Beauty is everlastingAnd dust is for a time.

This passage delves deep into the theme of internal conflict as a precursor to external war. The speaker acknowledges the necessity of overcoming personal struggles to achieve lasting peace, suggesting that the roots of conflict lie within. The admission "I inwardly did nothing" denotes a failure to address these inner battles, likening this inaction to the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, a symbol of ultimate treachery. By juxtaposing "Beauty is everlasting" with "dust is for a time," the poet highlights the enduring nature of true beauty—found in inner peace and virtue—contrasted against the transient, destructive nature of war. The passage calls for introspection and self-conquest as essential for achieving harmony both within and in the world at large, underscoring that the true battlefront lies within the human spirit.