Pope’s Ode to solitude "How happy he, who free from care The rage of courts, and noise of towns; Contented breaths his native air, In his own grounds. "Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread, Whose flocks supply him with attire, Whose trees in summer yield him shade, In winter fire. "Blest! who can unconcern'dly find Hours, days, and years slide swift away, In health of body, peace of mind, Quiet by day "Sound sleep by night; study and ease Together mix'd; sweet recreation, And innocence, which most does please, With meditation. "Thus let me live, unheard, unknown; Thus unlamented let me die; Steal from the world, and not a stone Tell where I lie." (Pope, it is said, wrote this gem of a poem at the age of 12. It is undoubtedly one of the 100 best poems of the English language during the last five hundred years). My ...