When Aurora gilds the morning

When Aurora gilds the morning With a sweet delightful ray; Blooming flow'rs the fields adorning, In the charming month of May.

Then how pleasant and contented, Lives the lowly country clown, In the valley, unfrequented By the knaves who croud to town!

With the early lark awaking, He enjoys the cheerful day; Labour ev'ry hour partaking, Whistling thought and care away.

Nature all his toil befriending, Of her treasures he's possess'd; Health and peace his life attending, Is the monarch half so bless'd?

Birds his list'ning ear enchanting, Verdant hills and dales his sight; Nothing to his sense is wanting Which can give him true delight.

Love, with innocence combining, His unsettled heart alarms; Like the flowers in garlands twining, Sweetly various in its charms.

Happy clown! who thus possesses Pleasure unalloy'd with strife, Wisdom nothing more caresses Than the humble vale of life.

Riches knaves delight in gaining, Grandeur is by fools admir'd; All that wise men wish obtaining, Is to live and die retir'd.