Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
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Competency.
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
183
Competency.
See Content. Nature content with Little.
If what's enough for Man, enough could be,This were sufficient: but as this, we see,
Is not enough, how can we e'er believe
That Riches to the Mind Content can give?—
The Farmer, lab'ring, with the Iron Share
Turns up the churlish Soil: the Tradesman cheats:
The hardy Mariner, and Soldier, roam
To ev'ry Region, fearless of the Seas:—
These Toils they undergo, that having gain'd
A Competency, and from Want secure,
All Business laid aside, old Age may pass
In Ease and Quiet.—
If any ask me what would satisfy
To make Life easy, thus I would reply:
As much as keeps out Hunger, Thirst, and Cold,
Or what contented Socrates of old:
As much as made wise Epicurus blest,
Who in small Gardens spacious Realms possess'd.
This is what Nature's Wants may well suffice;
He that would more, is covetous, not wise.—
—Much will always wanting be
To those who much desire: thrice happy He,
To whom the wise Indulgency of Heaven,
With sparing Hand, but just enough has given.—
Most by their own false Hopes deceiv'd, cry out,
They have not yet enough.—
They have not yet enough.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |