Content

Robert Greene (1558–1592)

From “Farewell to Follie,” 1617

SWEET are the thoughts that savor of content;

The quiet mind is richer than a crown;

Sweet are the nights in careless slumber spent,—

The poor estate scorns Fortune’s angry frown:

Such sweet content, such minds, such sleep, such bliss,

Beggars enjoy, when princes oft do miss.

The homely house that harbors quiet rest,

The cottage that affords no pride or care,

The mean, that ’grees with country music best,

The sweet consort of mirth’s and music’s fare.

Obscurèd life sets down a type of bliss;

A mind content both crown and kingdom is.