When you have sailed the seven seas <br />And looped the ends of earth, <br />You'll long at last for slippered ease <br />Beside a bonny hearth; <br />A cosy cottage in the sun, <br />A pleasant page to read - <br />You'll find when all is said and done, <br />That's nearly all you need. <br /> <br />You may have pow-wowed with the Great <br />And played a potent part <br />In serious affairs of state, <br />But now with quiet heart <br />You bide beside a rosy fire <br />And blether with a friend, <br />Discovering that you require <br />So little in the end. <br /> <br />And all your days of fevered flight <br />For glory, gold or gear <br />Will seem so futile when the Night <br />Draws dolorously near; <br />And you will only ask to be <br />With modest comfort blest, <br />With sweetness of simplicity, <br />With rich reward of rest.<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-summing-up/
