"HERE Man more purely lives, less oft doth fall, "More promptly rises, walks with stricter heed, "More safely rests, dies happier, is freed "Earlier from cleansing fires, and gains withal "A brighter crown." -- On yon Cistertian wall 'That' confident assurance may be read; And, to like shelter, from the world have fled Increasing multitudes. The potent call Doubtless shall cheat full oft the heart's desires; Yet, while the rugged Age on pliant knee Vows to rapt Fancy humble fealty, A gentler life spreads round the holy spires; Where'er they rise, the sylvan waste retires, And aery harvests crown the fertile lea. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CLIO, NINE ECLOGUES IN HONOUR OF NINE VIRTUES: 7. OF HOSPITALITY by WILLIAM BASSE RETURN OF THE NATIVE by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN TRITON ESURIENS by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN THE STREAM OF LIFE by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT ON A SCOTCH COXCOMB by ROBERT BURNS EFFIE'S REASONS by PHOEBE CARY |