The Means to attain Happy Life Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. 1516–47 MARTIAL, the things that do attain     The happy life be these, I find:—   The richesse left, not got with pain;     The fruitful ground, the quiet mind;     The equal friend; no grudge, no strife;          5   No charge of rule, nor governance;   Without disease, the healthful life;     The household of continuance;     The mean diet, no delicate fare;     True wisdom join'd with simpleness;   10 The night dischargèd of all care,     Where wine the wit may not oppress.     The faithful wife, without debate;     Such sleeps as may beguile the night:   Contented with thine own estate   15   Ne wish for death, ne fear his might.

Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.