The Delaware Gazette

POETRY.

ODE TO CONTENT.

Nymph of the cottage, lov'd contentment, ha!
In the calm bosom of some tranquil vale,
Primrose of life, sequester'd art thou found;
Or in the solitary moss clad cell,
Where some religious hermit loves to dwell,
Mid high-grown woods securely fenc'd around.
Or far retir'd from fashion's splendid state,
Where health sits smiling at the shepherds gate,
Daughter of bliss! thou hand-maid pure of love
Where, unalloy'd by passion's tumults vile,
Simplicity, a nymph unknown to guile,
Comes, a fair guest, thy unbought sweets to prove.
Oh! hither then direct my willing feet,
To gain secure thy happy lone retreat;
Queen of the placid smile and tranquil brow!
Thou. whom my weary hopes so long have sought,
From ev'ry action of whose mind's pure thought,
The even joys of temperate pleasure flow.
What tho' from grandeur's sun-gilt dome thour't driv'n,
Still innocence, the white rob'd spirit of Heav'n.
Close in thy bosom holds that spotless throne;
Whilst peace, thy parent, lov'd content, and guide
Join'd by each virtue's sainted form beside,
Round thy fair temples wreathes her olive crown.