So life glides smoothly

 (From William Cowper, The Task ("The Winter Walk at Noon")

 

So life glides smoothly and by stealth away,

More golden than that age of fabled gold

Renown'd in ancient song; not vex'd with care

Or stain'd with guilt, beneficient, approved

Of God and man, and peaceful in its end.

So glide my life away, and so at last,

My share of duties decently fulfill'd,

May some disease, not tardy to perform

The destined office, yet with gentle stroke,

Dismiss me weary to a safe retreat,

Beneath the turf, that I have often trod.