Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray; Along the cool sequester'd vale of life They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.

Hands that the rod of empire might have sway'd, Or waked to ecstasy the living lyre.

Rich with the spoils of time.

And truth severe, by fairy fiction drest.

And moody madness laughing wild Amid severest woe.

Commerce changes entirely the fate and genius of nations, by communicating arts and opinions, circulating money, and introducing the materials of luxury; she first opens and polishes the mind, then corrupts and enervates both that and the body.

Any fool may write a most valuable book by chance, if he will only tell us what he heard and saw with veracity.