To yonder narrow vale, whose high-sloped sides Are hung with airy oaks, and umbrage deep -- Where through thick shades the lulling waters creep: And no vile noise the musing mind derides, But silence with calm solitude abides -- Temple with joy retired, that he might keep A course of quiet days, and nightly sleep Beneath the covering wings of heavenly guides -- Virtue and peace! Here he in sweet repose Sigh'd his last breath! Here Swift, in youth reclined, Pass'd his smooth days. -- Oh, had he longer chose Retreats so pure, perchance his nicer mind, That the world's wildering follies and its woes To madness shook, had ne'er with sorrows pined! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PHILIP, MY KING by DINAH MARIA MULOCK CRAIK TO DEAN-BOURN, A RUDE RIVER IN DEVON, BY WHICH ... HE LIVED by ROBERT HERRICK SHADOWS IN THE WATER by THOMAS TRAHERNE ROMEO AND JULIET by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH BENNINGTON by WILLIAM HENRY BABCOCK |