TO ENGLAND. WRITTEN AFTER A VISIT TO SORRENTO.
Reading edition
They are but selfish visions at the best, Which tempt us to desire that we were free From the dear ties that bind us unto Thee, That so we might take up our lasting rest, Where some delightful spot, some hidden nest In brighter lands has pleased our phantasy: And might such vows at once accomplished be, We should not in the accomplishment be blest, But oh! most miserable, if it be true Peace only waits upon us, while we do Heaven’s work and will: for what is it we ask, When we would fain have leave to linger here, But to abandon our appointed task, Our place of duty and our natural sphere?