Page:Miller of Gloucestershire.pdf/7

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7

Folks cry out hard times, but I never regard;
For I ne’er did, nor e’er will let my heart earthward:
So ’tis all one to me be they easy or hard.

I envy not them that have thousands of pounds
That sport o’er the country with homes an hounds;
There’s naught but contentment can keep within bounds.

I ne’er lose my time o’er a pipe and a pot,
Nor lurk in a nook, like a flugga'rdly lot:
But I buy what is wanting with what I have got

And if I have more then I want for to spend,
I help a poor neighbour, or diligent friend;
“He that gives to the poor, to the Lord he does lend.”

I grudge not that gentlefolk dress themselves;
At their gold and their silver I never repine
But I wish their insides were as hearty as mine.