I HEARD a thousand blended notes, While in a grove I sate reclined, In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts Bring sad thoughts to the mind. To her fair works did Nature link The human soul that through me ran; And much it grieved my heart to think What man has made of man. Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; And 'tis my faith that every flower Enjoys the air it breathes. The birds around me hopped and played, Their thoughts I cannot measure: -- But the least motion which they made It seemed a thrill of pleasure. The budding twigs spread out their fan, To catch the breezy air; And I must think, do all I can, That there was pleasure there. If this belief from heaven be sent, If such be Nature's holy plan, Have I not reason to lament What man has made of man? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TOMMY'S DEAD by SYDNEY THOMPSON DOBELL A CELEBRATION OF CHARIS: 4. HER TRIUMPH by BEN JONSON SMILE AND NEVER HEED ME by CHARLES SWAIN IN SICKNESS (1714) by JONATHAN SWIFT LET US HAVE PEACE by NANCY BYRD TURNER THE KNIGHT OF THE BURNING PESTLE by FRANCIS BEAUMONT |