 | Poems on several grave and important subjects (1719) |  |
85
The LARK.
A Soliloquy.
I
Observe, my Muse, yon charmingCreature,
The tuneful Lark, inspir'd by Nature;
How in the lowly silent Fields
Her little Nest,
So finely drest,
And not in lofty Boughs she builds.
Yet when the Morn appears serene
She leaves her humble Seat,
Soars up the Regions of the Air unseen,
And charms Mankind with Musick soft and sweet.
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She dwelt below, and made so mean a Choice.
II.
The heav'nly Bird, thy fellow Bard,As thy Example, Muse, regard;
Content thy self upon the humble Ground,
And never grudge their Happiness
That lodge in Towns and Palaces,
Which gaily glare around.
In humble Huts and rural Bow'rs,
Amongst the honest Swains,
Consume thy pleasurable Hours,
Devoid of Care and Pains.
Let never proud Ambition cheat thy Mind,
Nor court the Things which Nature ne'er design'd:
87
Well pleased with thy State,
On just Occasions sometimes fly,
And show you can be Great.
III.
And thou, my Soul, with Little blest,Secure and in a close Retreat,
By Wit and Virtue render'd sweet,
Enjoy a pleasing Rest.
In Solitude retir'd from Noise,
As on a Bay, behold below,
And pity those who grasp at Joys,
Or please themselves with shining Toys
That soon to Ruin go.
Employ thy self on a sublimer Theme,
And, in thy lov'd Obscurity,
Ne'er grasp at Honour, Glory, and a Fame;
Nor court the World to keep alive your Name.
88
And, like the Lark, from thine obscure Abode,
When Death shall ease you of your mortal Load,
Transcend the chrystal Sky,
And there enjoy at once thy Brother and thy God.
| Poems on several grave and important subjects (1719) | |