Full many a gem of purest ray serene The dark unfathom'd caves of ocean bear: Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air.

A fav'rite has no friend!

And truth severe, by fairy fiction drest.

Can honor's voice provoke the silent dust, or flattery soothe the dull, cold ear of death?

E'en from the tomb the voice of nature cries, E'en in our ashes live their wonted fires.

Where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise.

Ah, happy hills! ah, pleasing shade! Ah, fields beloved in vain! Where once my careless childhood stray'd, A stranger yet to pain! I feel the gales that from ye blow A momentary bliss bestow.