SWEET SOLITUDE

 Words by Hannah More: Sylvia's Song, The Search After Happiness.
 Tune: Sweet Solitude, Sacred Harp, p. 140.

 Sweet Solitude! thou placid queen
 Of modest air, and brow serene!
 'This thou inspirest the sage's theme,
 The poet's visionary dreams.

 Parent of virtue, nurse of thought!
 By thee were saints and patriarchs taught,
 Wisdom from thee her treasures drew,
 And in thy lap fair science grew.

 Whate'er exalts, refines, and charms,
 Invites to thought, to virtue warms;
 Whate'er is perfect, fair, and food, 
 We owe to thee, sweet Solitude!

 In these bless'd shades dost thou maintain
 Thy peaceful, unmolested reign;
 Let no disordered thoughts intrude
 On thy repose, sweet Solitude!

 With the the charm of life shall last,
 E'en when its rosy bloom is past,
 And when slow pacing Time shall spread
 Its silver blossoms o'er my head;

 No more with this vain world perplex'd,
 Thou shall prepare me for the next;
 The springs of life shall gently cease,
 And angels point the way to peace.