Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. 15164741. 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; | 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. |