On Resigning A Scholarship Of Trinity College, Oxford

written by


« Reload image

AND RETIRING TO A COUNTRY CURACY.

  Farewell! a long farewell! O Poverty,
  Affection's fondest dream how hast thou reft!
  But though, on thy stern brow no trace is left
  Of youthful joys, that on the cold heart die,
  With thee a sad companionship I seek,
  Content, if poor;--for patient wretchedness,
  Tearful, but uncomplaining of distress,
  Who turns to the rude storm her faded cheek;
  And Piety, who never told her wrong;
  And calm Content, whose griefs no more rebel;
  And Genius, warbling sweet, his saddest song,
  When evening listens to some village knell,--
  Long banished from the world's insulting throng;--
  With thee, and thy unfriended children dwell.

© William Lisle Bowles