To Peace

Come, lovely, gentle, peace of mind, With all thy smiling nymphs around, Content and innocence combin'd, With wreath of sacred olive crown'd. Come, thou that lov'st the walk at eve, The banks of murm'ring streams along, That lov'st the crowded court to leave, And hear the milk-maid's simple song; That lov'st, with contemplation's eye, The head-long cataract to view, That foams and thunders from on high, While echoes oft the sound renew; That lov'st the dark sequester'd wood, Where silence spreads her brooding wings, Nor less the lake's translucent flood, The mossy grots and bubbling springs. With thee, the lamp of wisdom burns, The guiding light to realms above; With thee, the raptur'd mortal learns The wonders of celestial love. With thee, the poor have endless wealth, And sacred freedom glads the slave; With thee, the sick rejoice in health, The weak are strong, the fearful brave. O lovely, gentle peace of mind, Be thou on earth my constant guest; With thee, whate'er in life I find, This pledge of Heav'n shall make me blest.