The Tempest of War

Let the tempest of war Be heard from afar, With trumpets' and cannons' alarms: Let the brave, if they will, By their valour and skill, Seek honour and conquest in arms.

To live safe, and retire, Is what I desire, Of my flocks and my Chloe possest; For in them I obtain True peace without pain, And the lasting enjoyment of rest.

In some cottage or cell, Like a shepherd to dwell, From all interruption at case; In a peaceable life, To be blest with a wife, Who will study her husband to please.