Quote#Nature
Then, without toil, by vale and mountain side
Quote byAlfred Austin · 1835–1913
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Golden Age: A Satire (1871), pp. 2–3..
English (original)
Then, without toil, by vale and mountain side, Men found their few and simple wants supplied; Plenty, like dew, dropped subtle from the air, And Earth's fair gifts rose prodigal as prayer. Love, with no charms except its own to lure, Was swiftly answered by a love as pure. No need for wealth; each glittering fruit and flower, Each star, each streamlet, made the maiden's dower.
— Alfred Austin
More from Alfred Austin
Friendship, 'tis said, is love without his wings, And friendship, sir, is sweet enough for me.
Know, Nature, like the cuckoo, laughs at law, Placing her eggs in whatso nest she will.
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And Clara dies that Claribel may dance.
Let your house Be spacious more than splendid, and be books And busts your most conspicuous furniture.
Death is the looking-glass of life wherein Each man may scan the aspect of his deeds.