I never saw a man in all my days -- One whom the calm of quietness pervades -- Who gave not woods and fields his hearty praise, And felt a happiness in summer shades. There I meet common thoughts, that all may read Who love the quiet fields: -- I note them well, Because they give me joy as I proceed, And joy renewed, when I their beauties tell In simple verse, and unambitious songs, That in some mossy cottage haply may Be read, and win the praise of humble tongues In the green shadows of some after-day. For rural fame may likeliest rapture yield To hearts, whose songs are gathered from the field. |