Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CONTENTMENT, by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CONTENTMENT, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Think'st thou the steed that restless roves
Last Line: Of treasure in the skies?
Subject(s): Contentment; Simplicity


"Is that beast better that hath two or three mountains to graze on,
than a little bee that feeds on dew or manna, and lives upon what
falls every morning from the storehouses of heaven, clouds, and
providence? Can a man quench his thirst better out of a river than
a full urn; or drink better from the fountain which is finely paved
with marble, than when it swells over the green turf?"
BISHOP JEREMY TAYLOR.

THINK'ST thou the steed that restless roves
O'er rocks and mountains, fields and groves,
With wild, unbridled bound,
Finds fresher pasture than the bee,
On thymy bank, or vernal tree,
Intent to store her industry,
Within her waxen round?

Think'st thou the fountain forc'd to turn
Thro' marble vase, or sculptur'd urn,
Affords a sweeter draught,
Than that which in its native sphere,
Perennial, undisturb'd and clear,
Flows, the lone traveller's thirst to cheer,
And wake his grateful thought?

Think'st thou the man whose mansions hold
The worldling's pomp, and miser's gold,
Obtains a richer prize,
Than he who in his cot at rest,
Finds heavenly peace, a willing guest,
And bears the promise in his breast
Of treasure in the skies?





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