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