"Ode on Solitude," by Alexander Pope

Ode on Solitude

- Alexander Pope

1                     Happy the man whose wish and care                     

2                              A few paternal acres bound,

3              Content to breathe his native air,

4                                              In his own ground.

5              Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread,

6                              Whose flocks supply him with attire,

7              Whose trees in summer yield him shade,

8                                              In winter fire.

9              Blest, who can unconcern’dly find

10                           Hours, days, and years slide soft away,

11           In health of body, peace of mind,

12                                           Quiet by day,

13           Sound sleep by night; study and ease,

14                          Together mixt; sweet recreation;

15           And Innocence, which most does please

16                                           With meditation.

17           Thus let me live, unseen, unknown,

18                           Thus unlamented let me die,

19           Steal from the world, and not a stone

20                                           Tell where I lie.