Lesson 2: Ode on Solitude

A. Read and recite the poem.

Ode on Solitude

Happy the man, whose wish and care A few paternal acres bound, Content to breathe his native air, In his own ground.

Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread, Whose flocks supply him with attire, Whose trees in summer yield him shade, In winter fire.

Blest! who can unconcern’dly find Hours, days, and years slide soft away, In health of body, peace of mind, Quiet by day,

Sound sleep by night; study and ease Together mix’d; sweet recreation, And innocence, which most does please, With meditation.

Thus let me live, unseen, unknown; Thus unlamented let me die; Steal from the world, and not a stone Tell where I lie.

Alexander Pope

B. Answer the questions.

1. What things does a happy man have?
2. How does he pass his time?
3. How does he wish to die?
4. How do you think you can be happy in life?