XVII

At eve, within yon studious nook,

I ope my brass-embossed book,

Portray’d with many a holy deed

Of martyrs crown’d with heavenly meed;

Then, as my taper waxes dim,

Chant, ere I sleep, my measured hymn.

Who but would cast his pomp away,

To take my staff and amice grey,

And to the world’s tumultuous stage,

Prefer the peaceful Hermitage?

Warton

At eve, within yon studious nook, I ope my brass-embossed book, Portray’d with many a holy deed Of martyrs crown’d with heavenly meed; Then, as my taper waxes dim, Chant, ere I sleep, my measured hymn.

Who but would cast his pomp away, To take my staff and amice grey, And to the world’s tumultuous stage, Prefer the peaceful Hermitage?

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