And to feed on hungry fare, A CONTENTED MIND J. SYLVESTER I am not fond of fancy's toys; I see ambition never pleased; I see some Tantals starved in store; I see e'en Midas gape for more: THE WISH WELL then! I now do plainly see And they, methinks, deserve my pity Ah! yet ere I descend to the grave, A. COWLEY May I a small house and large garden have; And, since Love ne'er will from me flee, A Mistress moderately fair, And good as guardian angels are, O fountains! when in you shall I Myself eased of unpeaceful thoughts espy? The happy tenant of your shade? Here's the spring-head of pleasure's flood: Here's wealthy Nature's treasury, Where all the riches lie that she Has coined and stamped for good! Pride and ambition here Only in far-fetched metaphors appear; Here nought but winds can hurtful murmurs scatter, And nought but Echo flatter. The gods, when they descended, hither From heaven, did always choose their way: And therefore we may boldly say That 'tis the way too thither. How happy here should I And one dear She live, and embracing die! I should have then this only fear: THE QUIET MIND I JOY not in no earthly bliss; I wish but what I have at will, I kiss not where I wish to kill; : ANON. |