I.
Whither did my fancy stray?
By what magic drawn away
Have I left my studious theme?
From this philosophic page,
From the problems of the sage,
Wandering thro’ a pleasing dream?
II.
‘Tis in vain alas! i find,
Much in vain, my zealous mind
Would to learned wisdom’s throne
Dedicate each thoughtful hour:
Nature bids a softer power
Claim some minutes for his own.
III.
Let the busy or the wise
View him with contemptuous eyes;
Love is native to the heart:
Guide its wishes as you will;
Without Love you’ll find it still
Void in one essential part.
IV.
Me though no peculiar fair
Touches with a lover’s care;
Though the pride of my desire
Asks immortal friendship’s name,
Asks the palm of honest fame,
And the old heroic lyre;
V.
Though the day have smoothly gone,
Or to letter’d leisure known,
Or in social duty spent;
Yet at eve my lonely breast
Seeks in vain for perfect rest;
Languishes for true content.
(Mark Akenside)
More Poetry from Mark Akenside:
Mark Akenside Poems based on Topics: Love, Mind, Fame, Name, Wisdom & Knowledge, Dreams, Nature, Pride, Honesty & Integrity- The Pleasures of Imagination: (Mark Akenside Poems)
- Hymn To The Naiads (Mark Akenside Poems)
- Ode XVIII: To The Right Honourable Francis Earl Of Huntington (Mark Akenside Poems)
- Ode IX: To Curio (Mark Akenside Poems)
- A British PHILIPPIC (Mark Akenside Poems)
- Ode XI: To The Country Gentlemen Of England (Mark Akenside Poems)