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1850–1931

CONTENTMENT

John Lawson Stoddard

Urge me no more! The mid-day toil is ended, And shadows lengthen from the radiant west; The glowing sun, with sumptuous clouds attended, Sinks to its rest.

I too would rest; an Indian-Summer beauty Gilds my life's autumn in a charming vale; No further quest of gold or fame seems duty; Their splendors pale

Tempt me no more! In vain are spread before me New plans of battle and rare hopes of gain; The sweeter airs of love and peace blow o'er me; I will remain.

Gone is the glamour of the heartless city; Hateful its traffic and its ceaseless roar; Slaves of its tyranny, you have my pity; Urge me no more!

Girdled by mountains, in a land of story, Nestles the high-walled garden of my home; Here, book in hand, I feast myself on glory, Nor wish to roam.

Each dawn brings rose-hued snow-peaks to my vision; Each eve's enchanting pageant thrills my soul; Day after day I find yet more elysian Fair South Tyrol.

Urge me no more! The riches of Golconda Could not allure me to the old-time task; Here, till the curtain falls, to live and ponder Is all I ask.

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CONTENTMENT · John Lawson Stoddard · Poetry Cove