Ode on solitude

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
Quit by day,

Sound sleep by night; study and ease,
Together mixt; 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.

Alexander Pope (1688-1744)