I. <br />Whither did my fancy stray? <br />By what magic drawn away <br />Have I left my studious theme? <br />From this philosophic page, <br />From the problems of the sage, <br />Wandering thro' a pleasing dream? <br /> <br />II. <br />'Tis in vain alas! i find, <br />Much in vain, my zealous mind <br />Would to learned wisdom's throne <br />Dedicate each thoughtful hour: <br />Nature bids a softer power <br />Claim some minutes for his own. <br /> <br />III. <br />Let the busy or the wise <br />View him with contemptuous eyes; <br />Love is native to the heart: <br />Guide its wishes as you will; <br />Without Love you'll find it still <br />Void in one essential part. <br /> <br />IV. <br />Me though no peculiar fair <br />Touches with a lover's care; <br />Though the pride of my desire <br />Asks immortal friendship's name, <br />Asks the palm of honest fame, <br />And the old heroic lyre; <br /> <br />V. <br />Though the day have smoothly gone, <br />Or to letter'd leisure known, <br />Or in social duty spent; <br />Yet at eve my lonely breast <br />Seeks in vain for perfect rest; <br />Languishes for true content.<br /><br />Mark Akenside<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ode-ix-at-study/
