Contentment

I weigh not fortune's frown or smile;

I joy not much in earthly joys;

I seek not state, I reck not style;

I am not fond of fancy's toys.

I rest so pleased with what I have,

I wish no more, no more I crave.

I quake not at the thunder's crack;

I tremble not at noise of war;

I swoon not at the news of wrack;

I shrink not at a blazing star;

I fear not loss, I hope not gain;

I envy none, I none disdain.

I see ambition never pleased;

I see some Tantals starved in store;

I see gold's dropsy seldom eased;

I see e'en Midas gape for more;

I neither want, nor yet abound—

Enough's a feast, content is crowned.

I feign not friendship where I hate;

I fawn not on the great (in show);

I prize, I praise a mean estate,

Neither too lofty nor too low:

This, this is all my choice, my cheer—

A mind content, a conscience clear.

Joshua Sylvester