The Means to attain Happy Life

By Anonymous

16th Century


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;
         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.

DayPoems Poem No. 44
<a href="http://www.daypoems.net/poems/44.html">The Means to attain Happy Life by Anonymous</a>

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