Full Lyrics
I joy not in no earthly blisse,
I force not Cressus welth a straw:
For care I know not what it is,
I feare not Fortunes fatall law.
My mind is such as may not move,
for beautie bright nor force of love.
I wish but what I have at will,
I wander not to seeke for more:
I like the plaine I clime no hill,
in greatest stormes I sit on shore:
and laugh at them that toyle in vaine,
to get what must bee lost againe.
I kisse not where I wish to kill,
I faine not love where most I hate:
I breake no sleepe to winne my will,
I waite not at the mighties gate:
I scorne no poore nor feare no rich,
I feele no want no have to much.
The Court and cart I like nor loath,
extreames are counted worst of all:
the golden meane beetweene them both,
doth surest sit and feare no fall:
this is my choyce, for why I finde,
no wealth is like the quiet minde.
attrib. Sir Edward Dyer (15431607)
