Book 5 — A HAPPY LIFE.
Reading edition
How happy is he born or taught, That serveth not another's will; Whose armour is his honest thought, And simple truth his highest skill.
Whose passions not his masters are; Whose soul is still prepared for death; Not tied unto the world with care Of prince's ear, 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 oppressors great.
Who envies none whom chance doth raise, Or vice: who never understood How deepest wounds are given with praise; Nor rules of state, but rules of good.
Who God doth late and early pray More of his grace than gifts to lend; And entertains the harmless day With a well-chosen book or friend.
This man is freed from servile bands Of hope to rise or fear to fall; Lord of himself, though not of lands; And having nothing, yet hath all.
SIR HENRY WOTTON.
[Notes: Sir Henry Wotton (1568-1639). A poet, ambassador, and miscellaneous writer, in the reign of James I.
Born or taught = whether from natural character or by training.
Nor ruin make oppressors great = nor his ruin, &c.
How deepest wounds are given with praise. How praise may only cover some concealed injury.]
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