Paracelsus.
5
From all rude chances like to be my lot;
That, far from them, my weary spirit, disposed
To lose awhile its cares in soothing thoughts
Of them, their pleasant features, looks, and words,
Needs never hesitate, nor apprehend
Encroaching trouble may have reach'd them too;
Nor have recourse to Fancy's busy aid
Even to frame a wish in their behalf
Beyond what they possess already here;
But, unobstructed, may at once forget
Itself in them—assured how well they are.
This Festus knows; beside, he holds me one
Whom quiet and its charms arrest in vain;
One scarce aware of all the joys he quits;
Too fill'd with airy hopes to make account
Of soft delights his own heart garners up:
Whereas, behold how much our sense of all
That's beautiful is one! And when he learns
That every common sight he can enjoy
Affects me as himself; that I have just
As varied appetite for joy derived
From common things; a stake in life, in short,
That, far from them, my weary spirit, disposed
To lose awhile its cares in soothing thoughts
Of them, their pleasant features, looks, and words,
Needs never hesitate, nor apprehend
Encroaching trouble may have reach'd them too;
Nor have recourse to Fancy's busy aid
Even to frame a wish in their behalf
Beyond what they possess already here;
But, unobstructed, may at once forget
Itself in them—assured how well they are.
This Festus knows; beside, he holds me one
Whom quiet and its charms arrest in vain;
One scarce aware of all the joys he quits;
Too fill'd with airy hopes to make account
Of soft delights his own heart garners up:
Whereas, behold how much our sense of all
That's beautiful is one! And when he learns
That every common sight he can enjoy
Affects me as himself; that I have just
As varied appetite for joy derived
From common things; a stake in life, in short,
