The Quiet Life
 
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,	         5
Whose flocks supply him with attire;	 
Whose trees in summer yield him shade,	 
                In winter fire.	 
  
Blest who can unconcern'dly find	 
Hours, days, and years slide soft away	  10
In health of body, peace of mind,	 
                Quiet by day,	 
  
Sound sleep by night; study and ease	 
Together mixt, sweet recreation,	 
And innocence, which most does please	  15
                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.	  20