The Means to attain 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.