A Contented Mind

I weigh not fortune's frown or smile;
I. joy not much in earthy joys;
I seek not state, I seek 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 news 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 Tantalus starved in store;
I see gold's dropsy seldom eased;
I see even 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