How near am I to happiness <br />That earth exceeds not! not another like it: <br />The treasures of the deep are not so precious, <br />As are the concealed comforts of a man <br />Lock's up in woman's love. I scent the air <br />Of blessings when I come but near the house: <br />What a delicious breath marriage sends forth! <br />The violet bed's not sweeter. Honest wedlock <br />Is like a banqueting house built in a garden, <br />On which the spring's chaste flowers take delight <br />To cast their modest odours. ---- <br />-- Now for a welcome, <br />Able to draw men's envies upon man; <br />A kiss, now, that will hang upon my lip, <br />As sweet as morning dew upon a rose, <br />And full as long.<br /><br />Thomas Middleton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/how-near-am-i-to-happiness/
