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