Contentment

I Weigh not fortune’s frown or smile; I joy not much in earthly joys; I seek not state, I reck not style; I am not fond of fancy’s toys: I rest so pleased with what I have, I wish no more, no more I crave. I quake not at the thunder’s crack; I tremble not at news of war; I swound not at the news of wrack; I shrink not at a blazing star; I fear not loss, I hope not gain, I envy none, I none disdain. I see ambition never pleased; I see some Tantals starved in store; I see gold’s dropsy seldom eased; I see even Midas gape for more; I neither want nor yet abound,— Enough ’s a feast, content is crowned. I feign not friendship where I hate; I fawn not on the great (in show); I prize, I praise a mean estate,— Neither too lofty nor too low: This, this is all my choice, my cheer,— A mind content, a conscience clear.

Collection: 
1583
Sub Title: 
Poems of Sentiment: VI. Labor and Rest

More from Poet

  • I Weigh not fortune’s frown or smile; I joy not much in earthly joys; I seek not state, I reck not style; I am not fond of fancy’s toys: I rest so pleased with what I have, I wish no more, no more I crave. I quake not at the thunder’s crack; I tremble not at news of war; I swound not at...

  • Were I as base as is the lowly plain, And you, my Love, as high as heaven above, Yet should the thoughts of me your humble swain Ascend to heaven, in honor of my Love. Were I as high as heaven above the plain, And you, my Love, as humble and as low As are the deepest bottoms of the main,...