THOUGHTS ON A GARDEN 7 



ON THE DELIGHTS OF GARDENS 



(From " The Spectator") 



"You must know, sir, that I look upon the plea- 

 sure which we take in a garden, as one of the most 

 innocent delights in human life. A garden was the 

 habitation of our first parents before the fall. It is 

 naturally apt to fill the mind with calmness and 

 tranquillity, and to lay all its turbulent passions at 

 rest. It gives us a great insight into the contri- 

 vance and wisdom of Providence, and suggests innu- 

 merable subjects for meditation. I cannot but think 

 the very complacency and satisfaction which a man 

 takes in these works of nature, to be a laudable, if 

 not a virtuous habit of mind." 



JOSEPH ADDISON. 



THOUGHTS ON A GARDEN 



(From a Letter to Evelyn) 



HAPPY art thou, whom God does bless 

 With the full choice of thine own happiness ; 



And happier yet, because thou'rt blest 



With prudence how to choose the best. 

 In books and gardens thou hast plac'd aright 



(Things which thou well dost understand, 

 And both dost make with thy laborious hand) 



Thy noble innocent delight : 



And in thy virtuous wife, where thou again dost 

 meet 



Both pleasures more refin'd and sweet, 



