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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO THE REVEREND PATRICK MURDOCH, RECTOR OF STRADISHALL, IN SUFFOLK by JAMES THOMSON (1700-1748)

Poet Analysis

First Line: THUS SAFELY LOW, MY FRIEND, THOU CANST NOT FALL
Last Line: HIGH BLISS IS ONLY FOR A HIGHER STATE!
Subject(s): CLERGY; PRIESTS; RABBIS; MINISTERS; BISHOPS;

Thus safely low, my friend, thou canst not fall:
Here reigns a deep tranquillity o'er all:
No noise, no care, no vanity, no strife;
Men, woods, and fields, all breathe untroubled life.
Then keep each passion down, however dear;
Trust me, the tender are the most severe.
Guard, while 'tis thine, thy philosophic ease,
And ask no joy but that of virtuous peace;
That bids defiance to the storms of fate.
High bliss is only for a higher state!



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