The pleasures of retirement. HAPPY the man, whose wish and care A few paternal acres bound; Content to breathe his native air, In his own ground. Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread, Blest, who can unconcern'dly find Hours, days, and years, slide soft away, In health of body, peace of mind; Quiet by day; Sound sleep by night; study and ease, Thus let me live, unseen, unknown; Thus unlamented let me die, Steal from the world, and not a stone Tell where I lie. POPE. SECTION II The sluggard. 'Tis the voice of the sluggard: I heard him complain, "You have wak'd me too soon; I must slumber again." As the door on its hinges, so he on his bed Turns his sides, and his shoulders, and his heavy head. "A little more sleep, and a little more slumber?” And when he gets up, he sits folding his hands, I pass'd by his garden, and saw the wild brier, I made him a visit, still hoping to find He had ta'en better care for improving his mind: Said I then to my heart, "Here's a lesson for me; WATTS. SECTION III. Creation and Providence. I SING th' almighty pow'r of God, I sing the wisdom that ordain'd The moon shines full at his command, I sing the goodness of the Lord, That fill'd the earth with food: He form'd the creatures with his word, And then pronounc'd them good. Lord! how thy wonders are display'd, If I survey the ground I tread, There's not a plant or flow'r below, But makes thy glories known; And clouds arise and tempests blow, Creatures (as num'rous as they be) Are subject to thy care ; There's not a place where we can flee, In heav'n he shines with beams of love; 'Tis on his earth I stand and move, His hand is my perpetual guard; Why should I then forget the Lord, Who is for ever nigh? SECTION IV. A morning in spring. Lo! the bright, the rosy morning, Calls me forth to take the air: Cheerful spring, with smiles returning, Nature, now in all her beauty, With her gently-moving tongue, Prompts me to the pleasing duty, Of a grateful morning song. WATTS. See the early blossoms springing! See the jocund lambkins play! Hear the lark and linnet singing, Welcome to the new-born day! Vernal music, softly sounding, Echoes through the verdant grove : Nature, now with life abounding, Now the kind refreshing showers, Now their vernal dress assuming, Sweetly swell the gentle breeze. Praise to thee, thou great Creator! Praise be thine from every tongue: Join, my soul, with ev'ry creature ; For ten thousand blessings giv'n; For the richest gifts bestow'd ; Sound his praise through earth and heav'n; Sound Jehovah's praise aloud! FAWCETT. |