Thomas Gray

. . where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise.

. . where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise.

Oft did the harvest to their sickle yield:
Their furrow oft the stubborn glebe has broke:
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Oft did the harvest to their sickle yield:
Their furrow oft the stubborn glebe has broke:
How jocund did they drive their team a-field!
How bow'd the woods beneath their sturdy stroke!

The Attic warbler pours her throat
Responsive to the cuckoo's note.

The Attic warbler pours her throat
Responsive to the cuckoo's note.

Full many a gem of purest ray serene,
The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear.

Full many a gem of purest ray serene,
The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear.

Hard Unkindness' alter'd eye,
That mocks the tear if forced to flow.

Hard Unkindness' alter'd eye,
That mocks the tear if forced to flow.