"The villager, born humbly and bred hard, Content his wealth, and poverty his guard, In action simply just, in conscience clear, By guilt untainted, undisturb'd by fear, His means but scanty, and his wants but few, Labor his business, and his pleasure too, Enjoys more comforts in a single hour Than ages give the wretch condemn'd to power."

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Source: Charles Churchill (1783). “The Poetical Works of C. Churchill: In Three Volumes. with the Life of the Author”, p.90

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Charles Churchill

Poet, Playwright

Charles Churchill was an English poet known for his satirical works that critiqued society and politics, particularly in 'The Rosciad'.

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"England a fortune-telling host, As num'rous as the stars, could boast; Matrons, who toss the cup, and see The grounds of Fate in grounds of tea."

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"When satire flies abroad on falsehood's wing, Short is her life, and impotent her sting; But when to truth allied, the wound she gives Sinks deep, and to remotest ages lives."

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