MARTIAL, the things that do attain The happy life be these, I find, -- The riches left, not got with pain; The fruitful ground, the quiet mind, The equal friend; no grudge, no strife; No charge of rule, nor governance; Without disease, the healthful life; The household of continuance; The mean diet, no delicate fare; True wisdom joined with simpleness; The night discharged of all care, Where wine the wit may not oppress; The faithful wife, without debate; Such sleeps as may beguile the night; Contented with thine own estate, Ne wish for death, ne fear his might. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN THE OLD THEATRE, FIESOLE by THOMAS HARDY THE GROVES OF BLARNEY by RICHARD ALFRED MILLIKIN THE ORPHAN BOY'S TALE by AMELIA OPIE VALENTINES TO MY MOTHER: 1880 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI IN MEMORIAM A.H.H.: 23 by ALFRED TENNYSON LINES by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS BLUEBEARD by RUTH FITCH BARLETT TO HIS WORTHY FRIEND, MASTER SHAKERLY MARMION, UPON CUPID AND PSYCHE by RICHARD BROME |