Vain Expectations

When I (whom sullen care, Through discontent of my long fruitless stay In princes' court, and expectation vain Of idle hopes, which still do fly away Like empty shadows, did afflict my brain) Walked forth to ease my pain Along the shore of silver-streaming Thames; -Edmund Spenser (c.1552-1599), Prothalamion

New Mission

My fugitive years are all hasting away, And I must ere long lie as lowly as they, With a turf on my breast, and a stone at my head, Ere another such grove shall arise in its stead. -William Cowper (1731-1800), The Poplar Field

Secret Joy

Thou joy'st in better marks, of soil, of air, Of wood, of water; therein thou art fair. -Ben Johnson (1572-1637), To Penshurst