Page:The Seasons - Thomson (1791).djvu/98

 For the kind hand of an assiduous care. Delightful task! to rear the tender thought. To teach the young idea how to shoot, To pour the fresh instruction o'er the mind, To breathe th' enlivening spirit, and to fix The generous purpose in the glowing breast. Oh speak the joy! ye, whom the sudden tear Surprizes often, while you look around, And nothing strikes your eye but sights of bliss, All various Nature pressing on the heart: An elegant sufficiency, content, Retirement, rural quiet, friendship, books, Ease and alternate labour, useful life, Progressive virtue, and approving. These are the matchless joys of virtuous love; And thus their moments fly. The seasons thus, As ceaseless round a jarring world they roll, Still find them happy; and consenting Sheds her own rosy garland on their heads: Till evening comes at last, serene and mild; When after the long vernal day of life, Enamour'd more, as more remembrance swells With many a proof of recollected love, Together down they sink in social sleep; Together freed, their gentle spirits fly To scenes where love and bliss immortal reign. SUMMER