The Means to Attain a Happy Life.
MARTIAL, the things that do attain
The happy life, be these, I find:
The riches 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.
