Retirement

Hail peaceful retirement, thy shades how serene!
With thee in all ages the wise have sought pleasure,
Meditation and converse the sweet varied scene
Alternately measure.
Here freely expatiate the rational powers,
Thy aid, O divine contemplation, inspiring;
While wisdom and knowledge unlock their bright stores,
The mind still desiring.
Ye votaries of pleasure, of grandeur and fame,
Leave your eager pursuit of the shadows before ye;
Seek peaceful retirement, where more than in name
Dwell pleasure and glory.

'Tis here, when content from the seats of delight
Descends, to give mortals a blest prelibation
Of permanent pleasure and joys ever bright,
She fixes her station.
Sweet guest of retirement, O come to my breast!
I can pity the minds which deluded pursuing
Their phantoms gay-smiling, refuse to be blest
And choose their undoing'