Classic Poem

FROM THE SPANISH OF LUPERCIO .

The sun has chas'd away the early shower,
And now upon the mountain's clearer height,
Pours o'er the clouds, aslant, his glowing light.
The husbandman, lothing the idle hour,
Starts from his rest, and to his daily toil,
Light-hearted man, goes forth; and patient now
As the slow ox drags on the heavy plough,
With the young harvest fills the reeking soil.
Domestic love his due return awaits,
With the clean board bespread with country cates;
And clustering round his knee his children press;
His days are pleasant, and his nights secure.
Oh, cities! haunts of power and wretchedness,
Who would your busy vanities endure?