MARTIAL, the things that do attain <br /> The happy life be these, I find:-- <br />The richesse left, not got with pain; <br /> The fruitful ground, the quiet mind; <br /> <br />The equal friend; no grudge, no strife; <br /> No charge of rule, nor governance; <br />Without disease, the healthful life; <br /> The household of continuance; <br /> <br />The mean diet, no delicate fare; <br /> True wisdom join'd with simpleness; <br />The night discharged of all care, <br /> Where wine the wit may not oppress. <br /> <br />The faithful wife, without debate; <br /> Such sleeps as may beguile the night: <br />Contented with thine own estate <br /> Ne wish for death, ne fear his might.<br /><br />Anonymous<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-means-to-attain-happy-life/
