44 CONTENTMENT

CONTENTMENT My mind to me a kingdom is;

Such perfect joy therein I find, As far exceeds all earthly bliss That world affords, or grows by kind:

Though much I want what most men have, Yet doth my mind forbid me 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 see how plenty surfeits oft, And hasty climbers soonest fall;

I see how those that sit aloft Mishap doth threaten most of all;

These get with toil, and keep with fear:

Such cares my mind could never bear.

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 pain.

I fear no foe: I scorn no friend:

I dread no death: I fear no end.

Some have too much, yet still they crave;

I little have, yet seek no more:

They are but poor, though much they have, And I am rich, with little store.

They poor, I rich: they beg, I give:

They lack, I lend: they pine, I live.

I wish but what I have at will:

I wander not to seek for more:

I like the plain; I climb no hill: In greatest storm I sit on shore, And laugh at those that toil in vain, To get what must be lost again.

--This is my choice; for why?--I find No wealth is like a quiet mind.

_--Unknown_