Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CONTENTED PHILOSOPHER, SELECTION, by PETER CUNNINGHAM


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CONTENTED PHILOSOPHER, SELECTION, by                    
First Line: Deep silence reigned, and dewy light
Last Line: "in converse with the sage."
Subject(s): Life; Transience; Impermanence


"Deep silence reigned, and dewy night
Her silver vestment wore,"

"The breezy mount, the misty vale,
Alternately I strayed;
The Gothic spire, the lonely cell,
My wandering eye surveyed."

"'Twas Sophron's grove, an aged sire,
Who, versed in Wisdom's lore,
Now tuned his consecrated lyre,
To close the silent hour."

"The plumy tribes unceasing roam,"

"Thus restless Nature loves to range,
Through life's gay scenes to rove;
Till Reason prompts the happier change
To Contemplation's grove!

When Fortune smiled, when Pleasure wooed,
How indolently gay!
Life's transitory stream I viewed
Unheeded waste away.

The gay delusive dream once o'er,
Calm Reason's thoughts arise;
Obeyed the monitorial power
That whispered, 'Now be wise.'

This silent grove my search surveyed,
Where Peace displays her charms:
How free Contentment's humble shade
From Fortune's wild alarms.

Now free from each fantastic strife,
Untroubled and serene,
I wait the closing hour of life,
To leave its empty scene."

"There studious thought would wear the day,
In each instructive page;
Or happier speed the hours away,
In converse with the Sage."





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