Retirement

I ENVY not the proud their wealth, Their equipage and state: Give me but innocence and health, I ask not to be great.

I in this sweet retirement find A joy unknown to kings, For sceptres to a virtuous mind, Seem vain and empty things.

Great Cincinnatus at his plough With brighter lustre shone, Than guilty Caesar e'er could shew, Though seated on a throne.

Tumultuous days, and restless nights, Ambition ever knows, A stranger to the calm delights Of study and repose.

Then free from envy, care, and strife, Keep me, ye powers divine! Aud pleas'd, when ye demand my life, May I that life resign!