33 



There passed, reflective he, the days, 

 Apart from noisy herd, and maze 



Of worldly cares and strife ; 

 Sweet Solitude, with love sincere, 

 There did he woo, his mistress dear 



And pleasure of his life. 



Wide to his curious gaze displayed, 

 The works of nature there he read, 



And pondered as he gazed : 

 Full wisely did he cogitate, 

 And secrets rare and thoughts of weight 



Had treasured in his pate. 



Happy the wight ! who, thus, away 

 From vain delights and world s display, 



His soul may purify ; 

 Simple in taste, in each desire 

 Fair Nature, musing, to admire, 



In lonely sanctity. 



This ancient one, his pate without 

 His hermit cell, was peering out 



Deep pondering, into night ; 

 2* 



