Thus I end my evening knell!
John Fletcher, 1576–1625.
THE SHEPHERD’S LIFE.
Thrice, oh thrice happy, shepherd’s life and state,
When courts are happiness’ unhappy pawns!
His cottage low, and safely humble gate
Shuts out proud Fortune, with her scorns and fawns;
No feared treason breaks his quiet sleep:
Singing all day, his flocks he learns to keep;
Himself as innocent as are his simple sheep.