388 CONSOLATIONS OF SOLITUDE
Reason hath taught me without dread My day o'erwhelmed with clouds to see,
And with a careless step to tread The bleak wastes of adversity, —
��To make the most of flower and tree, The rather that so soon they fade,
And, when a beauteous morn I see. To whisper, " It must end in shade."
Therefore I husband it with care.
Still lengthening pleasure to the last ;
And, when 'tis o'er, I ne'er despair, But seek my sunshine in the past.
Or forward, in a fair to-morrow
The cloudy present I forget. Nor for one instant harbor sorrow ;
For I have learned, O rivulet !
That absent pain is life's chief pleasure ;
Who 'scapes remorse or dire distress Hath found on earth no common treasure
Few reach so mean a happiness.
In humblest things I find delight.
Nor seek in man nor thee perfection,
And keep my day, now near its night, Warm with a more diffused affection.
Though no too brilliant scenes entrance, No dull ones cast too deep a shade ;
Onward I tranquilly advance,
Admiring nought, of nought afraid.
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