Contentment (Dyer)

For works with similar titles, see Contentment.

Contentment (Dyer) by Edward Dyer

"Contentment," by Edward Dyer (1545-1607). This poem holds much to comfort and control people who are shut up to the joys of meditation--people to whom the world of activity is closed. To be independent of things material--this is the soul's pleasure.

    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!

This work published before January 1, 1923 is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.