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, nor 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 ease;

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.

---Joshua Sylvester

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