The 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.