University of Virginia Library

Martial Lib. 10. Epig. 47.

Would you, my Friend, in little room express
The just Description of true Happiness;
First set me down a competent Estate,
But rais'd and left me by a Parent's Sweat;
('Tis Pleasure to improve, but Toil to get:)
Not large, but always large enough to yield
A chearful Fire, and no ungrateful Field.
Averse to Law-Suits, let me Peace enjoy,
And rarely pester'd with a Town-Employ.
Smooth be my Thoughts, my Mind serene and clear,
A heathful Body with such Limbs I'd bear
As should be graceful, well proportion'd, just,
And neither weak, nor boorishly robust.
Nor Fool, nor Knave, but innocently wise;
Some Friends indulge me, let a few suffice:
But suited to my Humour and Degree,
Not nice, but eas'ly pleas'd, and fit for me:
So let my Board and Entertainments be.
With wholesome homely Food, not serv'd in State,
What tasts as well in Pewter as in Plate.
Mirth and a Glass my chearful Ev'nings share,
At equal distance from Debauch and Care.
To Bed retiring let me find it blest
With a kind modest Spouse, and downy rest.
Pleas'd always with the Lot my Fates assign,
Let me no change desire, no change decline;
With every turn of Providence comply,
Not tir'd with Life, nor yet afraid to die.