I like the plain, I clime no hill; In greatest storms I sitte on shore, And laugh at them that toile in vaine To get what must be lost againe. I kisse not where I wish to kill; I feigne not love where most I hate; The court, ne cart, I like, ne loath; Extreames are counted worst of all: My welth is health, and perfect ease; Contentment gives a crown, I Thomas Ford. THE QUIET MIND. BY JOHN CLARE. THOUGH low my lot, my wish is won, I have a friend I value here- I wish not it was mine to wear She frowns, and let her frown: I only wish the bliss of life- The trumpet's taunt in battle field, What peace can all their honours yield, And what are they to me? Though praise and pomp, to me the strife Rave like a mighty wind, What are they to the calm of life- 1 mourn not that my lot is low, I sigh not that fate made me so, I am content, for well I see, What all at least shall find, That life's worst lot the best shall be- I see the great pass heedless by, It costs me not a single sigh For either wealth or power: They are but men, and I'm a man Proud too, that life gives all she can- I never mock'd at beauty's shrine, No knighthood's fame, or luck was mine, True love, and comfort's prize indeed And come what will of care or wo, They're comforts in their kind, When friends depart, as part they must. That leave us like the summer's dust A prop and friend I still shall have, O may I with myself agree, And misers gather wealth and care. Dyer. SUMMER IN THE HEART. BY EPES SARGENT. THE cold blast at the casement beats, The snow whirls through the empty streets- Sit down, old friend! the wine-cups wait; In our hearts 'tis summer still! For we full many summer joys And greenwood sports have shared, When, free and ever-roving boys, The rocks, the streams we dared! And, as I look upon thy face Back, back o'er years of ill, My heart flies to that happy place, Where it is summer still! Yes, though, like sere leaves on the ground, And cherished flowers lie dead around, The verdure is not faded quite, Not mute all tones that thrill; For, seeing, hearing thee to-night, |