My mind to me a kingdom is;
 Such perfect joy therein I find
 That it excels all other bliss
 Which God or nature hath assign'd.
 Though much I want that most would have,
 Yet still my mind forbids to crave.

 No princely port, nor wealthy store,
 No force to win a victory,
 No wily wit to salve a sore,
 No shape to win a loving eye;
 To none of these I yield as thrall,--
 For why? my mind despise them all.

 I see that plenty surfeit oft,
 And hasty climbers soonest fall;
 I see that such as are aloft
 Mishap doth threaten most of all.
 These get with toil and keep with fear;
 Such cares my mind can never bear.

 I press to bear no haughty sway,
 I wish no more than may suffice,
 I do no more than well I may,
 Look, what I want my mind supplies.
 Lo ! thus I triumph like a king,
 My mind content with anything.

 I laugh not at another's loss,
 Nor grudge not at another's gain;
 No worldly waves 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,
 And conscience clear my chief defence;
 I never seek by bribes to please,
 Nor by desert to give offence.
 Thus do I live, thus will I die,--
 Would all did so as well as I!