When All Within Is Peace

by William Cowper

When all within is peace,
    How nature seems to smile!
Delights that never cease
    The livelong day beguile.
From morn to dewy eve
    With open hand she showers
Fresh blessings, to deceive
    And soothe the silent hours.

It is content of heart
    Gives Nature power to please;
The mind that feels no smart
    Enlivens all it sees;
Can make a wintry sky
    Seem bright as smiling May,
And evening's closing eye
    As peep of early day.

The vast majestic globe,
    So beauteously array'd
In Nature's various robe,
    With wondrous skill display'd,
Is to a mourner's heart
    A dreary wild at best;
It flutters to depart,
    And longs to be at rest.


Monadnock Valley Press > Cowper