Thus safely low, my Friend, thou canst not fall

Thus safely low, my Friend, thou canst not fall;

Here reigns a deep tranquillity o'er all;

No noise, no care, no vanity, no strife;

Men woods and fields all breathe untroubled life:

Then keep each passion down however dear;

Trust me the tender are the most severe

Guard while 'tis thine, thy philosopic ease

And ask no joy but that of virtuous peace;

That bids defiance to the storms of fate;

High bliss is only for a higher state.