Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/305

Geor. II. Or lead me to some solitary Place, And cover my Retreat from Human Race. Happy the Man, who, studying Nature's Laws, Thro' known Effects can trace the secret Cause. His Mind possessing, in a quiet state, Fearless of Fortune, and resign'd to Fate. And happy too is he, who decks the Bow'rs Of Sylvans, and adores the Rural Pow'rs: Whose Mind, unmov'd, the Bribes of Courts can see; Their glitt'ring Baits, and Purple Slavery. Nor hopes the People's Praise, nor fears their Frown, Nor, when contending Kindred tear the Crown, Will set up one, or pull another down. Without Concern he hears, but hears from far, Of Tumults and Descents, and distant War: Nor with a Superstitious Fear is aw'd, For what befals at home, or what abroad. Nor envies he the Rich their heapy Store, Nor with a helpless Hand condoles the Poor. He feeds on Fruits, which, of their own accord, The willing Ground, and laden Trees afford. From his lov'd Home no Lucre him can draw; The Senates mad Decrees he never saw; Nor heard, at bawling Bars, corrupted Law. Some to the Seas, and some to Camps resort, And some with Impudence invade the Court. In foreign Countries others seek Renown, With Wars and Taxes others waste their own. Rh