SELECTIONS IN ENGLISH POETRY
Some have too much, yet still do crave; 25
I little have and seek no more.
They are but poor, though much they have,
And I am rich with little store.
They poor, I rich; they beg, I give;
They lack, I leave; they pine, I live. 30
I laugh not at another's loss ;
I grudge not at another's gain ;
No worldly waves my mind can toss;
My state at one doth still remain.
I fear no foe, I fawn no friend; 35
I loathe not life, nor dread my end.
Some weigh their pleasure by their lust,
Their wisdom by their rage of will ;
Their treasure is their only trust,
A cloaked craft their store of skill: 40
But all the pleasure that I find
Is to maintain a quiet mind.
My wealth is health and perfect ease,
My conscience clear my choice defence;
I neither seek by bribes to please, 45
Nor by deceit to breed offence.
Thus do I live; thus will I die;
Would all did so as well as I!