Oliver Goldsmith

Unknown those powers that raise the soul to flame, Catch every nerve, and vibrate through the frame. Their level life is but a mouldering fire, Unquenched by want, unfanned by strong desire.

So the loud torrent and the whirlwind's roar But bind him to his native mountains more.

Cheerful at morn, he wakes from short repose, Breasts the keen air, and carols as he goes.

But winter lingering chills the lap of May.

By sports like these are all their cares beguil'd; The sports of children satisfy the child.

The canvas glow'd beyond ev'n Nature warm, The pregnant quarry teem'd with human form.

Man seems the only growth that dwindles here.

Where wealth and freedom reign contentment fails, And honor sinks where commerce long prevails.

Such is the patriot's boast, where'er we roam, His first, best country ever is, at home.

Creation's heir, the world, the world is mine!

These little things are great to little man.

Some fleeting good, that mocks me with the view.

And learn the luxury of doing good.

Where'er I roam, whatever realms I see, My heart untraveled fondly turns to thee; Still to my brother turns with ceaseless pain, And drags at each remove a lengthening chain.

Remote, unfriended, melancholy, slow, Or by the lazy Scheldt, or wandering Po.

Hope, like the gleaming taper's light, Adorns and cheers our way; And still, as darker grows the night, Emits a brighter ray.

To the last moment of his breath On hope the wretch relies; And e'en the pang preceding death Bids expectation rise.

O Memory! thou fond deceiver.

That strain once more; it bids remembrance rise.

As aromatic plants bestow No spicy fragrance while they grow; But crush'd or trodden to the ground, Diffuse their balmy sweets around.

The king himself has followed her When she has walk'd before.

Good people all, with one acord, Lament for Madame Blaize, Who never wanted a good word — From those who spoke her praise.

As writers become more numerous, it is natural for readers to become more indolent.

The true use of speech is not so much to express our wants as to conceal them.