I weigh not Fortune's frown or smile, <br />I joy not much in earthly joys; <br />I seek not state, I reck not style, <br />I am not fond of fancy's toys; <br />I rest so pleased with what I have, <br />I wish no more, no more I crave. <br />I quake not at the thunder's crack, <br />I tremble not at noise of war, <br />I swoon not at the news of wrack, <br />I shrink not at a blazing star: <br />I fear not loss, I hope not gain, <br />I envy none, I none disdain. <br />I see ambition never pleased, <br />I see some Tantals starved in store; <br />I see gold's dropsy seldom eased, <br />I see e'en Midas gape for more. <br />I neither want, nor yet abound: <br />Enough's a feast; content is crown'd. <br />I feign not friendship where I hate, <br />I fawn not on the great in show, <br />I prize, I praise a mean estate, <br />Neither too lofty nor too low; <br />This, this is all my choice, my cheer, <br />A mind content, a conscience clear.<br /><br />Joshua Sylvester<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-contented-mind/
