THE CHARACTER OF A HAPPY LIFE.
Reading edition
BY SIR H. W.[1]
How happy is he born or taught That serveth not another's will; Whose armour is his honest thought, And silly truth his highest skill! Whose passions not his masters are, Whose soul is still prepared for death; Untied unto the world with care Of princely love or vulgar breath. Who hath his life from rumours freed, Whose conscience is his strong retreat; Whose state can neither flatterers feed, Nor ruin make accusers great. Who envieth none whom chance doth raise Or vice, who never understood How deepest wounds are given with praise; Not rules of State, but rules of good. Who God doth late and early pray More of His grace than gifts to lend; Who entertains the harmless day With a well-chosen book or friend. This man is free from servile bands, Of hope to rise, or fear to fall; Lord of himself, though not of lands, And having nothing he hath all.