The Means to Attain Happy Life

by Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey

My friend, the things that do attain

The happy life be these, I find:

The riches left, not got with pain;

The fruitful ground, the quiet mind;

The equal friend; no grudge, no strife;

No charge of rule, nor governance;

Without disease the healthy life;

The household of continuance;

The mean diet, no dainty fare;

Wisdom joinid with simpleness;

The night dischargid of all care,

Where wine the wit may not oppress;

The faithful wife, without debate;

Such sleeps as may beguile the night:

Content thyself with thine estate,

Neither wish death, nor fear his might.

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