Ode on Solitude

Listen to: 

Ode on Solitude (1:04)

by Alexander Pope

performed by Bob Gonzalez, rhapsode

HAPPY the man, whose wish and care           

A few paternal acres bound,    

Content to breathe his native air          

            In his own ground.     

Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread,               

Whose flocks supply him with attire; 

Whose trees in summer yield him shade,       

            In winter fire.  

Blest, who can unconcern’dly find     

Hours, days, and years, slide soft away                  

In health of body, peace of mind,        

            Quiet by day.  

Sound sleep by night; study and ease 

Together mix’d, sweet recreation,       

And innocence, which most does please                 

            With meditation.         

Thus let me live, unseen, unknown;    

Thus unlamented let me die;   

Steal from the world, and not a stone  

            Tell where I lie.