Solitude

How sweet is harmless Solitude? What can its Joys controul? Tumults and Noise may not intrude, To interrupt the Soul.

That here enjoys itself, retir'd From Earth's seducing Charms; Leaving her Pump, to be admir'd By such as court their Harms;

While she, on Contemplation's Wings, Soars far beyond the Sky, And feeds her Thoughts on heav'nly Things, Which in her Bosom lie.

Great Privileges here, of old, The wise Men did obtain; And Treasure, far surpassing Gold, They dig'd for not in vain.

The Tincture of Philosophers, Here happily they found; The Musick of the Morning-Stars, Here in their Hearts did sound.

Moses, that meek and prudent Prince Of Israel, did with Joy, By th' burning Bush, experience This sacred Mystery;

When in Retirement he withdrew, And led his tender Flock Beyond the Desert, he might view The Wonders of the Rock.

So Heaven's high honour'd Favourite, Did often choose to dwell Less for a Refuge, than Delight, Upon the Mount Carmel:

For in th' incensed Justice, he From Heaven call'd down Fire, To curb vain Man's Authority, That did by Force require

The holy Prophet to submit Unto their proud Command, Or to come down, till Heaven thought sit Thereto to Condescend.

There's neither Stateliness of Court, Nor any frantick Mirth, Deluded Mortals childish Sport, Nor Glories of the Earth,

Can counterpoise that inward Peace, Which in her Bosom dwells; Joys here abounding, Sorrows cease; Delight all Grief expels.

Here may the Soul, secur'd from Noise, In Calmness meditate; And waiting, hear the still small Voice, Which makes the Mountains shake.

But consolates the Soul and Mind, As with a sweet Repose, Which here, as from its Dross refin'd, Participates of those

Diviner Joys, whereto by Birth She hath a sacred Right; Which far transcends all Joys on Earth, In spotless true Delight.

But those that covet to enjoy The Sweets of Solitude, Must bid adieu to Vanity; Not let the World intrude,

Like an alluring Delilah, Into their Privacy; For her Design is to betray By subtil Flattery;

Which, who by Watchfulness doth learn Discreetly to repel, Such to their Solace, shall discern Where perfect Peace doth dwell

And in Retirement, always find Such innocent Delight, As fully satiates the Mind, And plenteously requite,

Denial of all earthly Things, Which ne'er can satisfy The noble Soul, whose Solace springs From Immortality.

The glorious Joys of Seraphims; For which each daily sings High Praises, and melodious Hymns, Unto the King of Kings.