Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CHARACTERS: WILLIAM ENFIELD, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Joy to the friendly heart! May peace dwell here
Last Line: And with thy own sweet morals charm the heart.
Alternate Author Name(s): Aikin, Anna Letitia


Joy to the friendly heart! May Peace dwell here
And her soft train that shed the bliss sincere!
O well beloved! whose voice, whose looks are found
Powerful to spread a sudden gladness round;
Cease, cease to travel countless volumes o'er
Thro the dry page of dark scholastic lore;
From native springs thy easy virtues flow,
What more can sages teach, or books bestow?
Cease, cease the task by precept to inform
The glowing breast with youthful ardour warm,
Thy candid manners and thy active mind
With more prevailing force the will shall bind,
Goodness by happy sympathy impart,
And with thy own sweet morals charm the heart.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net