Monday, January 11, 2010

 

A Rural Seat

Nahum Tate (1652-1715), The Choice:
Grant me, indulgent Heaven, a rural seat,
  Rather contemptible than great;
Where, though I taste life's sweets, still I may be
  Athirst for immortality.
I would have business, but exempt from strife;
  A private, but an active, life;
A conscience bold, and punctual to his charge;
  My stock of health, or patience, large.
Some books I'd have, and some acquaintance too,
  But very good, and very few.
Then (if one mortal two such grants may crave)
  From silent life I'd steal into my grave.
George Inness, The Gloaming

Hat tip: Stephen Pentz.

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