I. on Happy Retirement

Some wise men rise to public view, Some folly all forego: So Scythians shoot when they pursue, Or when they shun the foe.

Statesmen and warriors, the first— While those that court the Muse, And calm Philosophy, more thirst For peaceful life recluse.

The lark that highest sings and flies, The lowest builds her nest, And she that warbles to the skies, In valleys seeks for rest.

Consid'ring life with reason due, Good taste prefers a mean; And, but for the discerning few, Would wish to live unseen.