My mind to me a kingdom is

My mind to me a kingdom is:

Such perfect joy therein I find

That it excels all other bliss

That God or nature hath assigned.

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 surfeits 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 any thing.

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!