My mind to me a kingdom is; br Such perfect joy therein I find br That it excels all other bliss br Which God or nature hath assign'd. br Though much I want that most would have, br Yet still my mind forbids to crave. br br No princely port, nor wealthy store, br No force to win a victory, br No wily wit to salve a sore, br No shape to win a loving eye; br To none of these I yield as thrall,-- br For why? my mind despise them all. br br I see that plenty surfeit oft, br And hasty climbers soonest fall; br I see that such as are aloft br Mishap doth threaten most of all. br These get with toil and keep with fear; br Such cares my mind can never bear. br br I press to bear no haughty sway, br I wish no more than may suffice, br I do no more than well I may, br Look, what I want my mind supplies. br Lo ! thus I triumph like a king, br My mind content with anything. br br I laugh not at another's loss, br Nor grudge not at another's gain; br No worldly waves my mind can toss; br I brook that is another's bane. br I fear no foe, nor fawn on friend, br I loathe not life, nor dread mine end. br br My wealth is health and perfect ease, br And conscience clear my chief defence; br I never seek by bribes to please, br Nor by desert to give offence.