The complete poems of Dr. Joseph Beaumont ... For the first time collected and edited: With memorial-introduction, notes and illustrations, glossarial index, and portrait &c. by the Rev. Alexander B. Grosart |
 | I, II. |
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Home.
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 | The complete poems of Dr. Joseph Beaumont |  |
Home.
I
Home's Home, altho' it reached beThro' Wet and Dirt and Night; tho' heartily
I welcom'd was, yet something still,
Methinks, was wanting to fulfil
Content's odd Appetite: no cheer,
Say I, so good as that which meets me here,
II
Here, here at Home: Not that my BoardI find with quainter, richer Dainties stor'd;
No, my high Welcome all in this
Cheap simple Word presented is,
My Home; a Word so dearly sweet,
That all Variety in it I meet.
III
When I'm abroad, my Joys are so,And therefore they to me seem Strangers too:
I may salute them lovingly,
But must not too familiar be;
Some ceremonious Points there are
Which me from Pleasure's careless Freedom bar.
IV
There must my Mirth's Tunes taken beNot by mine own, but by my Convive's Key:
My Words and Smiles must temporize,
And I myself a Sacrifice
Must on that Humour's Altar yield,
Which there the Company shall please to build.
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V
If there on every Dish I tast,'Tis not myself, but some Disease I feast;
My Friend suspects if I forbear,
That I neglect him and his Cheer:
Nor is it easy to prevent
Or mine own Mischief, or his Discontent.
VI
But Home, sweet Home, releaseth meFrom anxious Joys, into the Liberty
Of unsollicitous Delight;
Which howsoever mean and slight
By being absolutely free
Enthrones me in Contentment's Monarchy.
| The complete poems of Dr. Joseph Beaumont | |