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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
UPON THE DOWNS, by GEORGE ETHEREGE
First Line: Upon the downs when shall I breathe at ease
Last Line: The nonsense and the farce of what the fools call great?
Variant Title(s): Attributed To Edmond Ashton
First Line: Upon the downs when shall I breathe at ease
Last Line: The nonsense and the farce of what the fools call great?
Variant Title(s): Attributed To Edmond Ashton
Upon the downs when shall I breathe at ease,
Have nothing else to do but what I please?
In a fresh cooling shade upon the brink
Of Arden's spring have time to read and think.
And stretch, and sleep, when all my care shall be
For health, and pleasure my philosophy?
When shall I rest from business, noise, and strife,
Lay down the soldier's and the courtier's life,
And in a little melancholy seat
Begin at last to live and to forget
The nonsense and the farce of what the fools call great?
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