O Friend! I Know Not

O FRIEND! I know not which way I must look For comfort; being, as I am, oppressed To think that now our life is only dressed For show; mean handiwork of craftsman, cook, Or groom!—We must run glittering like a brook In the open sunshine, or we are unblessed; The wealthiest man among us is the best; No grandeur now in nature or in book Delights us. Rapine, avarice, expense,— This is idolatry; and these we adore; Plain living and high thinking are no more; The homely beauty of the good old cause Is gone; our peace, our fearful innocence, And pure religion breathing household laws.