The Character Of A Happy Life

How happy is he born and taught

That serveth not another’s will;

Whose armour is his honest thought,

And simple truth his honest skill !

Whose passions not his masters are;

Whose soul is still prepared for death,

Untied into the world by care

Of public fame or private breath.

This man is free from servile bands

Of hope to rise or fear to fall:

Lord of himself, though not of lands,

And having nothing, yet have all.

      Sir Henry Wotton