Saturday, January 21, 2017

The Happiness of the World

To have a cheerful, bright and airy dwellingplace,
With garden, lawns and climbing flowers sweet;
Fresh fruits, good wine, few children; there to meet
A quiet, faithful wife, whose love shines through her face.

To have no debt, no lawyer’s feud, no love but one,
And not too much to do with one’s relations.
Be just, and be content.  Naught but vexations
Arise from toadying the great, when all is done.

Live well and wisely, and for grace petition;
Indulge devotion to its full fruition;
Subdue your passions—that is the best condition.
Your mind untrammeled and your heart in Faith;
While at your business give your prayers breath;
This is to rest at home, and calmly wait for death.

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