I joy not in no earthly bliss
I force not Croesus' wealth a straw
For care, I know not what it is
I fear not Fortune's fatal law
My mind is such as may not move
For beauty bright, nor force of love

I wish but what I have at will
I wander not to seek for more
I like the plain, I climb no hill
In greatest storms I sit on shore
And laugh at them that toil, in vain
To get what must be lost again

I kiss not where I wish to kill
I feign not love where most I hate
I break no sleep to win my will
I wait not at the mighty's gate
I scorn no poor, nor fear no rich
I feel no want, nor have too much

The Court and cart I like nor loathe
Extremes are counted worst of all
The golden mean between them both
Doth surest sit and fear no fall
This is my choice. For why? I find
No wealth is like the quiet mind