William Cowper

Oh, for a lodge in some vast wilderness,
Some boundless contiguity of shade,
Where rumour of oppression read more

Oh, for a lodge in some vast wilderness,
Some boundless contiguity of shade,
Where rumour of oppression and deceit,
Of unsuccessful or successful war,
Might never reach me more!

O Popular Applause! what heart of man
Is proof against thy sweet, seducing charms?

O Popular Applause! what heart of man
Is proof against thy sweet, seducing charms?

Words learn'd by rote a parrot may rehearse,
But talking is not always to converse,
Not more read more

Words learn'd by rote a parrot may rehearse,
But talking is not always to converse,
Not more distinct from harmony divine
The constant creaking of a country sign.

Sin let loose speaks punishment at hand.

Sin let loose speaks punishment at hand.

Absence of occupation is not rest,
A mind quite vacant is a mind distress'd.

Absence of occupation is not rest,
A mind quite vacant is a mind distress'd.