Stanzas to Domestic Retirement

In peaceful bowers where bland contentment reigns, Far from the busy hum of city strife, 'Tis there that wisdom half her vot'ries gains; There flows forever blest the stream of life.

The dream is such as innocence inspires; "Works of day past or morrow's next design;" There heed they not ambition's ardent fires; And there at others grandeur ne'er repine.

Heaven from their eyes the book of fate has closed, And hid hereafter in the gloom of night; Resigned to heaven's high will, the mind composed, Believing whatsoever is, is right.

No anxious cares distract the quiet breast, No dubious faith in providence's sway; To such remain the calmer joys of rest; To such time moves delightfully away.