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Most frequently call forth, and best sustain
These pure sensations; that can penetrate
The obstreperous City; on the barren Seas
Are not unfelt,—and much might recommend,
How much they might inspirit and endear,
The loneliness of this sublime Retreat!"
"Yes," said the Sage, resuming the discourse
Again directed to his downcast Friend,
"If, with the froward will and groveling soul
Of Man offended, liberty is here,
And invitation every hour renewed,
To mark their placid state, who never heard
Of a command which they have power to break,
Or rule which they are tempted to transgress;
These, with a soothed or elevated heart,
May we behold, their knowledge register,
Observe their ways; and, free from envy, find
Complacence there:—but wherefore this to You?
I guess that, welcome to your lonely hearth,
The Redbreast feeds in winter from your hand;
A box perchance is from your casement hung
For the small Wren to build in;—not in vain,
