Mr. Cooke's Original Poems with Imitations and Translations of Several Select Passages of the Antients, In Four Parts: To which are added Proposals For perfecting the English Language |
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 | Mr. Cooke's Original Poems |  |
ELEGY the First. On Retirement.
Happy the Man who, with a Mind serene,Enjoys the Calmness of the Sylvan Scene,
From Courts remov'd, which honest Worth deride,
Where Flatt'ry triumphs and unmeaning Pride,
Far from the Tumults of the Town, and far
From the vexatious Wranglings of the Bar,
Who from the Baits of ev'ry Vice retires,
And governs by his Reason his Desires!
Bless'd State of Innocence, and State of Health,
More precious far than Crowns, or India's Wealth!
Serv'd up by Nature's Hand here Pleasures rise,
Pleasures to charm the Ear, and feast the Eyes:
Here sings the Thrush, and here's the Linnet's Strain;
Nor warbles here the Blackbird wild in vain:
The Nightingales their ev'ning Notes prolong;
Here chants the Finch; and here's the Woodlark's Song:
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And here the Meads are redolent of May.
Come, Bellamira, come, and crown the Spring;
For thee the Flow'rs shall rise, the Birds shall sing:
I'll minister to thee the Day's Delight,
And make thee wish for the Return of Night.
| Mr. Cooke's Original Poems | |