Contentment

My mind to me a kingdom is;

Such perfect joy therein I find

As far excels all earthly bliss

That God or Nature hath assigned;

Though much I want that most would have,

Yet still my mind forbids to crave.

Content I live; this is my stay,—

I seek no more than may suffice.

I press to bear no haughty sway;

Look, what I lack my mind supplies.

Lo, thus I triumph like a king,

Content with that my mind doth bring.

I laugh not at another's loss,

I grudge not at another's gain;

No worldly wave my mind can toss;

I brook that is another's bane.

I fear no foe, nor fawn on friend;

I loathe not life, nor dread mine end.

My wealth is health and perfect ease;

My conscience clear my chief defense;

I never seek by bribes to please

Nor by desert to give offense.

Thus do I live, thus will I die;

Would all did so as well as I!

Edward Dyer.