(no subject)

[petrark]

My mind to me a kingdom is;
    Such perfect joy therein I find
That it excels all other bliss
    Which God or nature hath assigned.
Though much I want that most would have,
Yet still my mind forbids to crave.

No princely port, nor wealthy store,
    No force to win a victory,
No wily wit to salve a sore,
    No shape to win a loving eye;
To none of these I yield as thrall,-
For why? my mind despise them all.

I see that plenty surfeit oft,
    And hasty climbers soonest fall;
I see that such as are aloft
    Mishap doth threaten most of all.
These get with toil and keep with fear;
Such cares my mind can never bear.

I press to bear no haughty sway,
    I wish no more than may suffice,
I do no more than well I may,
    Look, what I want my mind supplies.
Lo! thus I triumph like a king,
My mind content with anything.

I laugh not at another's loss,
    Nor grudge not at another's gain;
No worldly waves my mind can toss;
    I brook that is another's bane.
I fear no foe, nor fawn on friend,
I loathe not life, nor dread mine end.

My wealth is health and perfect ease,
    And conscience clear my chief defence;
I never seek by bribes to please,
    Nor by desert to give offence.
Thus do I live, thus will I die,-
Would all did so as well as I!

Sir Edward Dyer, 1540-1607