Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
Poems of Home: V. The HomeOde to Solitude
Alexander Pope (16881744)H
A few paternal acres bound,
Content to breathe his native air
In his own ground.
Whose flocks supply him with attire;
Whose trees in summer yield him shade,
In winter, fire.
Hours, days, and years slide soft away
In health of body, peace of mind,
Quiet by day,
Together mixed; sweet recreation,
And innocence, which most does please
With meditation.
Thus unlamented let me die;
Steal from the world, and not a stone
Tell where I lie.