Happy solitude

Ode on Solitude

by Alexander Pope

Happy the man whose wish and care
          A few paternal acres bound,
Content to breathe his native air,
                                         In his own ground.

Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread,
          Whose flocks supply him with attire,
Whose trees in summer yield him shade,
                                         In winter fire.

Blest, who can unconcernedly find
          Hours, days, and years slide soft away,
In health of body, peace of mind,
                                         Quiet by day.

Sound sleep by night; study and ease,
          Together mixed; sweet recreation;
And innocence, which most does please
                                         With meditation.

Thus let me live, unseen, unknown;
          Thus unlamented let me die;
Steal from the world, and not a stone
                                         Tell where I lie.

WA