Thus safely low, my friend, thou canst not fall: Here reigns a deep tranquillity o'er all: No noise, no care, no vanity, no strife; Men, woods, and fields, all breathe untroubled life. Then keep each passion down, however dear; Trust me, the tender are the most severe. Guard, while 'tis thine, thy philosophic ease, And ask no joy but that of virtuous peace; That bids defiance to the storms of fate. High bliss is only for a higher state! |