Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife,/ Their sober wishes never learned to stray: ("Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard")
These lines are taken from the poem "Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard" by Thomas Gray.
In these lines, Gray describes the peaceful and serene nature of the people living in the countryside, far from the chaotic and unruly lifestyle of the city, which he refers to as the "madding crowd's ignoble strife." The phrase "ignoble strife" suggests that the pursuits and conflicts of the city dwellers are unworthy or lacking in noble purpose.
Gray contrasts the city dwellers with the people in the countryside, stating that their "sober wishes," or simple desires, never wander or deviate from their tranquil lifestyle. The phrase "never learned to stray" conveys that they have not been influenced or tempted by the distractions and temptations of the city.
Overall, these lines emphasize the contrast between the quiet and contented life led by the rural community and the tumultuous nature of city life, highlighting the virtues of simplicity, tranquility, and natural beauty.