Me though in life's sequester'd vale

ME THOUGH in life's sequester'd vale



The Almighty Sire ordain'd to dwell,


Remote from glory's toilsome ways,


And the great scenes of public praise;


Yet let me still with grateful pride


Remember how my infant frame


He temper'd with prophetic flame,


And early music to my tongue supplied.






'Twas then my future fate he weigh'd,


And, this be thy concern, he said,


At once with Passion's keen alarms,


And Beauty's pleasurable charms,


And sacred Truth's eternal light,


To move the various mind of Man ;


Till, under one unblemish'd plan,


His Reason, Fancy, and his Heart unite.
 
-Mark Akenside