English Poetry. Henry Livingston. Careless Philosopher’s Soliloquy. Генри Ливингстон.

Henry Livingston (Генри Ливингстон)

Careless Philosopher’s Soliloquy

I rise when I please, when I please I lie down,
Nor seek, what I care not a rush for, renown;
The rattle called wealth I have learnt to despise,
Nor aim to be either important or wise.

Let women & children & children-like men
Pursue the false trollop the world has called fame.
Who just as enjoyed, is instantly flown
And leaves disappointment, the hag, in her room.

If the world is content not to stand in my way
The world may jog on both by night and by day
Unimpeded by me - not a straw will I put
Where a dear fellow-creature uplifteth its foot.

While my conscience upbraids not, I’ll rise and lye down,
Nor envy a monarch His cares and His crown.

Henry Livingston’s other poems:

1. To the Memory of Henry Welles Livingston
2. 1819 New Year’s Carrier’s Address
3. Acknowledgement
4. Dialogue
5. The Procession

To the dedicated English version of this website

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