Hail, solitude! thou gentle queen

1.
Hail, solitude! thou gentle queen,
Of modest air and brow serene,
'Tis thou inspires the poet's theme,
Wrapped in sweet vision's airy dream;
(Repeat previous line twice).

2.
Parent of virtue, muse of thought,
By thee are saints and patriots taught
Wisdom to thee her treasures owe,
And in thy lap fair science grow.
(Repeat previous line twice).

3.
Whate'er's in thee, refines and charms,
Excites to thought, to virtue warms;
Whate'er is perfect, firm and good,
We owe to thee, sweet solitude.
(Repeat previous line twice).

4.
With thee the charms of life shall last,
E'en when the rosy bloom is past;
When slowly pacing time shall spread
Thy silver blossoms o'er my head.
(Repeat previous line twice).

5.
No more with this vain world perplexed,
Thou shalt prepare me for the next
The spring of life shall gently cease,
And angels waft my soul to peace.
(Repeat previous line twice).

Source: The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #155

• MIDI file from The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #155