Classic Poem

Country Clown

Just from the plough observe the country clown,
His first fond visit to the splended town,
Round all he gazes rudely with delight,
No foolish object 'scapes his wheeling sight:
The lofty spires that seem to touch the skies,
He views with wonder and with wild surprize;
Each shop and store where childrens toys are sold,
He fancies magazines of countless gold,
The stalls and signs with pleasure he surveys;
Still disconcerted by surrounding drays,
And crouds and fops, and noise, and " here's the news! "
And thus he judges as the whole he views.
" La! what a pow'r o' shining whokes are here!
'Tis surely Sunday — all in dress appear;
A charming place for frolicks this indeed,
No corn to hoe, nor fields of wheat to weed,
I swear now, Jonathan , the town's delightful,
The country nasty, stupid, dull and frightful,
And O whot kliver girls — so fine a sight! —
Our country hoydens is to these a fright,
There's Sall & Suk that shines the village toast,
Compar'd with these they'r negars at the most. "
Poor simple soul! go tend the village team,
Keep from the city and secure thy fame.
Beneath these cloths the tempting female wears,
Lurk baneful cunning and delusive snares,
And sweeter far the buxom country maid,
Whom pride and prejudice hath ne'er betray'd;
She healthful drinks the rosy-pinion'd gale,
Fresh from the blossom or the grassy dale;
Nor knows the arts the city wantons use,
Who follow fashion and the mode pursues.
Think not the toys which fondly you behold,
Because they glitter, made of solid gold;
And learn this lesson — seek content at home ;
'Tis in the mind and not the clime we roam.