Sonnet LXXXI (HE may be envied, who with…)

HE may be envied, who with tranquil breast Can wander in the wild and woodland scene, When Summer's glowing hands have newly drest The shadowy forests, and the copses green; Who, unpursued by care, can pass his hours Where briony and woodbine fringe the trees, On thymy banks reposing, while the bees Murmur "their fairy tunes in praise of flowers;" Or on the rock with ivy clad, and fern That overhangs the osier-whispering bed Of some clear current, bid his wishes turn From this bad world; and by calm reason led, Knows, in refined retirement, to possess By friendship hallow'd—rural happiness!