Means To Attain Happy Life

MARTIAL, the things that do attain

  The happy life be these, I find:--

The richesse left, not got with pain;

  The fruitful ground, the quiet mind;

The equal friend; no grudge, no strife;

  No charge of rule, nor governance;

Without disease, the healthful life;

  The household of continuance;

The mean diet, no delicate fare;

  True wisdom join'd with simpleness;

The night discharged of all care,

  Where wine the wit may not oppress.

The faithful wife, without debate;

  Such sleeps as may beguile the night:

Contented with thine own estate

  Ne wish for death, ne fear his might.