"Here let us live and spend away our lives,"
Said once Fortunio, "while below, absorbed,
The riotous careering race of man,
Intent on gain or war, pour out their news.
Let us bring in a chosen company,
Like that the noblest of our beauteous maids
Might lead, - unequalled Margaret, herself
The summary of good for all our state;
Composedly thoughtful, genial, yet reserved,
Pure as the wells that dot the ravine's bed,
And lofty as the stars that pierce her skies.
Here shall she reign triumphant, and preside
With gentle prudence o'er the camp's wild mood,
Summoning forth much order from what else
Surely must prove unsound."
Here let us live and spend away our lives
written byWilliam Ellery Channing
© William Ellery Channing