ODE
TO
CONDUIT
VALE
,
BLACKHEATH
.
DEAR
tranquil
shades
,
where
freedom
reigns
,
Where
calm
content
has
fix'd
her
seat
,
Lost
to
the
world
,
its
joys
,
its
pains
,
With
thee
I
find
a
safe
retreat
;
The
shafts
of
scorn
or
envy
fail
,
Alike
,
to
reach
my
peaceful
vale
.
'Tis
here
with
friendship's
soothing
smile
The
gentle
charities
appear
,
With
converse
sweet
the
hours
beguile
,
And
steal
away
the
frowning
year
;
To
you
,
ye
kind
affections
hail
!
Most
welcome
to
my
peaceful
vale
.
Though
torn
from
those
delightful
ties
Which
hold
the
heart
to
life
and
light
,
Remembrance
still
the
loss
supplies
,
And
fancy
gives
them
to
my
sight
;
Her
dear
delusive
powers
prevail
,
And
oft
they
bless
my
peaceful
vale
.
The
treasur'd
heaps
of
ancient
lore
,
The
page
where
modern
genius
plays
,
For
me
shall
spread
their
boundless
store
,
And
fill
with
varying
thought
my
days
;
Perhaps
the
muse
by
twilight
pale
May
deign
to
seek
my
peaceful
vale
.
Thus
far
from
pride
of
wealth
and
show
,
Thus
far
from
poverty
and
care
,
I
walk
unseen
,
nor
wish
to
know
A
joy
the
heart
disdains
to
share
;
Let
others
spread
the
vent'rous
sail
,
I
quit
no
more
my
peaceful
vale
.