Classic Poem

In vain, with unremitting care,
In quest of joy we roam,
In vain we seek it ev'ry where, —
'Tis only found at home.

Dear home! of ev'ry joy the seat,
When all our toils are past,
We in thy undisturb'd retreat
Find happiness at last.

Yet, ah! how sew who prize the bliss
Domestic scenes bestow,
Prefer to ceremony ease,
And happiness to show,

To fashion's arbitrary rules
We sacrifice our ease;
To gain the suffrages of fools
Neglect ourselves to please.

Instead of nature's solid joys,
We court the glare of art,
And change for show and empty noise
The pleasures of the heart.

Ah foolish man! at last be wise,
Forsake delusive joy,
That cheats the heart to please the eyes,
And flatters to destroy.

Let honest nature be your guide,
Its dictates still pursue,
Nor e'er prefer, misled by pride,
False happiness to true.