Thomas Hardy - The Child and the Sage lyrics

You say, O Sage, when weather-checked,   “I have been favoured so With cloudless skies, I must expect   This dash of rain or snow.” “Since health has been my lot,” you say,   “So many months of late, I must not chafe that one short day   Of sickness mars my state.” You say, “Such bliss has been my share   From Love's unbroken smile, It is but reason I should bear   A cross therein awhile.” And thus you do not count upon   Continuance of joy; But, when at ease, expect anon   A burden of annoy. But, Sage - this Earth - why not a place   Where no reprisals reign, Where never a spell of pleasantness   Makes reasonable a pain?