"A child of earth, I rested, in that stage Of my past course to which these thoughts advert, Upon earth's native energies; forgetting That mine was a condition which required Nor energy, nor fortitude--a calm 425 Without vicissitude; which, if the like Had been presented to my view elsewhere, I might have even been tempted to despise. But no--for the serene[245] was also bright; Enlivened happiness with joy o'erflowing, 430 With joy, and--oh! that memory should survive To speak the word--with rapture! Nature's boon, Life's genuine inspiration, happiness Above what rules can teach, or fancy feign; Abused, as all possessions _are_[246] abused 435 That are not prized according to their worth. And yet, what worth? what good is given to men, More solid than the gilded clouds of heaven? What joy more lasting than a vernal flower? None! 'tis the general plaint of human kind 440 In solitude: and mutually addressed From each to all, for wisdom's sake:--This truth The priest announces from his holy seat: And, crowned with garlands in the summer grove, The poet fits it to his pensive lyre. 445 Yet, ere that final resting-place be gained, Sharp contradictions may arise, by doom Of this same life, compelling us to grieve[247] That the prosperities of love and joy Should be permitted, oft-times, to endure 450 So long, and be at once cast down for ever. Oh! tremble, ye, to whom hath been assigned A course of days composing happy months, And they as happy years; the present still So like the past, and both so firm a pledge 455 Of a congenial future, that the wheels Of pleasure move without the aid of hope: For Mutability is Nature's bane; And slighted Hope _will_[248] be avenged; and, when Ye need her favours, ye shall find her not; 460 But in her stead--fear--doubt--and agony!"