Page:Translations from Camoens; and Other Poets.pdf/31



ET the vain courtier waste his days, Lured by the charms that wealth displays, The couch of down, the board of costly fare; Be his to kiss th' ungrateful hand, That waves the sceptre of command, And rear full many a palace in the air; Whilst I enjoy, all unconfined, The glowing sun, the genial wind, And tranquil hours, to rustic toil assigned; And prize far more, in peace and health, Contented indigence, than joyless wealth.

Not mine in Fortune's fane to bend, At Grandeur's altar to attend, Reflect his smile, and tremble at his frown; Nor mine a fond aspiring thought, A wish, a sigh, a vision, fraught With Fame's bright phantom, Glory's deathless crown! Nectareous draughts and viands pure, Luxuriant nature will ensure;