Classic Poem

FROM THE LATIN OF MARCUS FLAMINIUS .

O COOL retreats! O vernal bowers!
O soil adorn'd with varied flowers,
Where the clear stream its course pursues!
O leisure grateful to the Muse!
Kind to my hopes, if in your breast
Indulgent heaven would let me rest;
Waste in your haunts my thoughtless time,
Or careless weave the sportive rhyme;
Now in green shades embosom'd deep,
Enjoy the balmy sweets of sleep;
Now from my browsing goats demand
The streaming gift with gentle hand,
And with the healthful draught assuage
The fervors of the noontide rage:
Blest were my life, my days divine,
And heaven itself would then be mine.

And you, ye train of tuneful maids,
Who love clear brooks and cooling shades!
If e'er your charms to me were dear,
O grant my unambitious prayer;
And snatch me from the noisy crew,
To peace, to happiness, and you!

FROM THE LATIN OF MARCUS FLAMINIUS .

O COOL retreats! O vernal bowers!
O soil adorn'd with varied flowers,
Where the clear stream its course pursues!
O leisure grateful to the Muse!
Kind to my hopes, if in your breast
Indulgent heaven would let me rest;
Waste in your haunts my thoughtless time,
Or careless weave the sportive rhyme;
Now in green shades embosom'd deep,
Enjoy the balmy sweets of sleep;
Now from my browsing goats demand
The streaming gift with gentle hand,
And with the healthful draught assuage
The fervors of the noontide rage:
Blest were my life, my days divine,
And heaven itself would then be mine.

And you, ye train of tuneful maids,
Who love clear brooks and cooling shades!
If e'er your charms to me were dear,
O grant my unambitious prayer;
And snatch me from the noisy crew,
To peace, to happiness, and you!