The Shrubbery
The Shrubbery
Original Text
William Cowper, Poems (London: J. Johnson, 1782-85). 2 vols. B-10 5366 Fisher Rare Book Library (Toronto).
1 Oh happy shades--to me unblest!
2 Friendly to peace, but not to me!
3How ill the scene that offers rest,
4 And heart that cannot rest, agree!
5 This glassy stream, that spreading pine,
6 Those alders quiv'ring to the breeze,
7Might sooth a soul less hurt than mine,
8 And please, if any thing could please.
9 But fix'd unalterable care
10 Foregoes not what she feels within,
11Shows the same sadness ev'rywhere,
12 And slights the season and the scene.
13 For all that pleas'd in wood or lawn,
14 While peace possess'd these silent bow'rs,
15Her animating smile withdrawn,
16 Has lost its beauties and its pow'rs.
17 The saint or moralist should tread
18 This moss-grown alley, musing, slow;
19They seek, like me, the secret shade,
20 But not, like me, to nourish woe!
21 Me fruitful scenes and prospects waste
22 Alike admonish not to roam;
23These tell me of enjoyments past,
24 And those of sorrows yet to come.
Publication Start Year
1782
RPO poem Editors
N. J. Endicott
RPO Edition
2RP 2.745.
Rhyme
Form