remembrance

Riverside, California-1967





A. Pope

CXVIII. The Quiet Life

HAPPY the man whose wish and care

A few paternal acres bound,

Content to breathe his native air

In his own ground.


Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread,
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Whose flocks supply him with attire;

Whose trees in summer yield him shade,

In winter fire.


Blest who can unconcern'dly find

Hours, days, and years slide soft away
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In health of body, peace of mind,

Quiet by day,


Sound sleep by night; study and ease

Together mixt, sweet recreation,

And innocence, which most does please
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With meditation.


Thus let me live, unseen, unknown;

Thus unlamented let me die;

Steal from the world, and not a stone

Tell where I lie.
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