12 April 2012
A poem by Henry Howard 4th Earl of Surrey
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; 5 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; 10 The night dischargèd 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 15 Ne wish for death, ne fear his might.
The Means To Attain A Happy Life • Opuss № I