The shepherd's, plain life

The shepherd's, plain life, Without guilt, without strife, Can only true blessings impart: As nature directs, That bliss he expects From health, and from quiet of heart.

Vain grandeur and pow'r, Those joys of an hour, Tho' mortals are toiling to find; Can titles or show Contentment bestow? All happiness dwells in the mind.

Behold the gay rose, How lovely it grows, Secure in the depth of the vale! Yon oak, that on high Aspires to the sky, Both lightning and tempests assail.

Then let us the snare Of ambition beware, That source of vexation and smart; And sport on the glade, Or repose in the shade, With health and with quiet of heart.