Poem by Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey

The Means to Attain a Happy Life

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; 
      The 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

1. Geue Place Ye Louers, Here Before
2. Brittle Beauty
3. The Sun Hath Twice
4. Of The Death of Sir T.W. the Elder
5. Alas! So All Things Now Do Hold Their Peace

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