The commonplace

The commonplace I sing;

How cheap is health! how cheap nobility!

Abstinence, no falsehood, no gluttony, lust;

The open air I sing, freedom, toleration,

(Take here the mainest lesson -- less from books -- less from the schools,)

The common day and night -- the common earth and waters,

Your farm -- your work, trade, occupation,

The democratic wisdom underneath, like solid ground for all.