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Henry Howard

The Means to attain Happy Life

MARTIAL, the things that do attain
    The happy life be these, I find:—
The richesse 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 healthful life;
    The household of continuance;

The mean diet, no delicate fare;
    True wisdom join'd with simpleness;
The night discharged of all care,
    Where wine the wit may not oppress.

The faithful wife, without debate;
    Such sleeps as may beguile the night:
Contented with thine own estate
    Ne wish for death, ne fear his might.