CHARACTER OF A HAPPY LIFE

Golden lads and girls all must.

As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.

Fear no more the frown o' the great,
Thou art past the tyrant's stroke ;

Care no more to clothe and eat ;
To thee the reed is as the oak :

The sceptre, learning, physic, must

All follow this, and come to dust.

Fear no more the lightning-flash,

Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone ; 10

Fear not slander, censure rash ;

Thou hast finish'd joy and moan :
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

CHARACTER OF A HAPPY LIFE
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; 20
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;
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