. O Friend! I know not which way I must look br For comfort, being, as I am, opprest, br To think that now our life is only drest br For show; mean handy-work of craftsman, cook, br Or groom! -- We must run glittering like a brook br In the open sunshine, or we are unblest: br The wealthiest man among us is the best: br No grandeur now in nature or in book br Delights us. Rapine, avarice, expense, br This is idolatry; and these we adore: br Plain living and high thinking are no more: br The homely beauty of the good old cause br Is gone; our peace, our fearful innocence, br And pure religion breathing household laws.