Classic Poem

I.

I S there on earth a solitude,
Which anxious care can ne'er invade;
Where pains nor sorrows e'er intrude?
A hallowed shade!

II.

Where peace extends her halcyon wing,
To guard and bless the soft retreat;
Content sweet breathes eternal spring
Around her seat.

III.

Some gentle spirit aid my flight
To this delightful, blissful spot,
From human converse, human sight;
Blest, and forgot.

IV.

Illusive dream! it fleets in air!
No paradise is sound below,
No solitude secludes from care,
Or shuts out woe.

V.

Happy the man, and he alone,
To whom the easy lot is given,
Cheerful to wait, and thankful own
The hand of heaven.

VI.

Then solitude, or social joy,
Can please, yet not engage his heart;
Nor sorrow, pain, nor care annoy
His nobler part.

VII.

His wish, his hope, his soul aspires
To a fair paradise above;
Yet patient waits, 'till heaven requires
His blest remove.

VIII.

Thus may my hopes and wishes rise,
Be mine serenity like this,
Till death's kind sleep shall close my eyes
Then wake to bliss.