Thomas Urquhart

Epigrams. The Second Booke. ¹ 26. Consolation to a poore man

THat you are poore, it should not much disheart you;
For povertie securely keepes your house
From theeves, & Robbers: and makes roome to vertue,
By banishing of pride, and the abuse
Of riches: the losse thereof, and feare of losse,
Surfets, and vices, that prejudge the health:
Which being shut out of doores, strive to compose
Your mind to quietnesse, more worth, then wealth;
For without wealth you may have happinesse:
But not without tranquillitie, and ease.