But chief, the skylark warbles high And, lessening from the dazzled sight, Rise, my soul! on wings of fire, With health, with harmony, and love.' Yesterday the sullen year Saw the snowy whirlwind fly; The herd stood drooping by: Smiles on past misfortune's brow Soft reflection's hand can trace; And o'er the cheek of sorrow throw A melancholy grace; While hope prolongs our happier hour, Still, where rosy pleasure leads, The hues of bliss more brightly glow, And blended form, with artful strife, See the wretch, that long has tossed At length repair his vigour lost, Humble quiet builds her cell, Near the source whence pleasure flows; She eyes the clear crystalline well, And tastes it as it goes. 'While' far below the 'madding' crowd Mark where indolence and pride, To these, if Hebe's self should bring 'Mark ambition's march sublime Up to power's meridian height; Phantoms of danger, death, and dread, Happier he, the peasant, far, From the pangs of passion free, That breathes the keen yet wholesome air Of rugged penury. |