Classic Poem

World of imagination, ever fair,
And ever happy! when my spirit flies
Away to thee, how little do I care
For things of worldly thought! for all that lies
Around me on the earth! for with my eyes
Withdrawn from toilsome life to thee, I share
Thy fairer scenes that then before me rise,
Nor noisy strife, nor haughty pride is there.

Sweet world of Fancy! if I could but keep
My soul in thee away from care and strife,
And from the tyranny of worldly pride,

Then might my soul-enslaving passions sleep,
And virtue in its strength uphold my life,
Nor let my soul so frequently backslide.