Superius Psalmes, Sonets, & Songs of sadnes and pietie, made into Musicke of fiue parts: whereof, some of them going abroad among diuers, in untrue coppies, are heere truely corrected, and th'other being Songs very rare & newly composed, are heere published, for the recreation of all such as delight in Musick: By William Byrd |
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XI. I Ioy not in no earthly blisse
1
I ioy not in no earthly blisse,I force not Cressus welth a straw:
For care I know not what it is,
I feare not Fortunes fatall law.
My mind is such as may not moue:
for beautie bright nor force of loue
2
I wish but what I haue at will,I wander not to seeke for more:
I like the plaine I clime no hill,
in greatest stormes I sitte on shore:
and laugh at them that toyle in vaine,
to get what must be lost againe.
3
I kisse not where I wish to kill,I faine not loue where most I hate:
I breake no sleepe to winne my will,
I wayte not at the mighties gate:
I scorne no poore, nor feare no ritch,
I feele no want nor haue to much.
4
The Court and cart I like nor loath,extreames are counted worst of all:
the golden meane betweene them both,
doth surest sit and feare no fall:
this is my choyse, for why I finde,
no wealth is like the quiet minde.
FINIS.
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