My mind to me a kingdom is;
      Such perfect joy therein I find
    As far excels all earthly bliss
      That God or Nature hath assigned;
    Though much I want that most would have,
    Yet still my mind forbids to crave.

    Content I live; this is my stay,--
      I seek no more than may suffice.
    I press to bear no haughty sway;
      Look, what I lack my mind supplies.
    Lo, thus I triumph like a king,
    Content with that my mind doth bring.

    I laugh not at another's loss,
      I grudge not at another's gain;
    No worldly wave my mind can toss;
      I brook that is another's bane.
    I fear no foe, nor fawn on friend;
    I loathe not life, nor dread mine end.

    My wealth is health and perfect ease;
      My conscience clear my chief defense;
    I never seek by bribes to please
      Nor by desert to give offense.
    Thus do I live, thus will I die;
    Would all did so as well as I!