A Selection of Original Songs, Scraps, Etc., by Ned Farmer (3rd ed.)/Impromptu—Too Good to Come Off

by Edward Farmer

Impromptu.

 

Too good to come off.

In a half-timbered cottage, in some quiet nook,
With some fifty good acres of land,
With a spinney for rabbits, some trout in a brook,
A small garden and orchard at hand,
A snug kitchen comer for cold winter nights,
A glass of good ale for a friend,
One dear smiling face to put all things to rights,
Would to goodness kind Fortune would send.

Grant these, and a fig for the town and its joys,
Its constant excitement and riot!
Far more country places and customs I prize;
Give me their pursuits and their quiet!
Go! Luxury, far from my humble abode;
Content! deign to enter my door;
Pride take back thy soul-killing heart-breaking load,
I am free! and I'll bear it no more!

Sweet Peace! with thy presence enlighten my cot;
Blessed Health! make my chamber thy home,
Mild Happiness! come and complete my proud lot,
Then never again will I roam.
Unruffled and calm will I thus end my days,
Till my head is laid under the sod,
My parting hour gilded by Hope's gentle rays,
In the goodness and mercy of God!