English poem
AN INSCRIPTION, Written at a favourite RETIREMENT, in May 1758
by John Brown (1757–1837)
What tho' nor glittering Turret rise, Nor Splendor gild these mild Retreats? Yet NATURE here, in modest Guise, Displays her unambitious Sweets:
Along each gentle-swelling Lawn She strays, with rustic Garlands crown'd; And wakes the Flow'rs at early Dawn, To fling their bosom'd Fragrance round.
Here teach thy Vot'ry, blameless Guide, To trace thy Step serene and free; To shun the toilsome Heights of Pride, Thro' these calm Scenes to follow THEE.
His silent Walk do Thou adorn, O'er these green Slopes, from Tumult far; Whether he greet the blushing Morn, Or welcome up yon evening Star:
Intent, while thro' these tufted Bow'rs Thy generous Whispers charm his Ear, To hail from Heav'n thy kindred Pow'rs, And meet fair Peace and Freedom here.
Yet prompt to stay his Country's Fall, The stormy City's War he'll join, When Thou, and Truth, and Freedom call: For Freedom's Voice, and Truth's, are Thine.