Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A CHARACTER OF JOHN MORT, by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A CHARACTER OF JOHN MORT, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Happy old man! Who stretch'd beneath the shade
Last Line: Shall hallow in their hearts thy spotless name.
Alternate Author Name(s): Aikin, Anna Letitia
Subject(s): Old Age


Happy old man! who stretch'd beneath the shade
Of large-grown trees, or in the rustic porch
With woodbine canopied, where linger yet
The hospitable virtues, calm enjoy'st
Nature's best blessings all; a healthy age
Ruddy and vigourous; native chearfulness,
Plain-hearted friendship, simple piety,
The rural manners and the rural joys
Friendly to life. O rude of speech, yet rich
In genuine worth; not unobserved shall pass
Thy bashful virtues; for the Muse shall mark,
Detect thy charities, and call to light
Thy secret deeds of mercy; while the poor,
The desolate and friendless at thy gate,
A numerous family, with better praise
Shall hallow in their hearts thy spotless name.





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