The Character of Happy Life

How happy is he born or taught That serveth not another's will; Whose armour is his honest thought, And simple truth his utmost skills! Whose passions not his masters are; Whose soul is still prepared for death, Untied unto the world by care Of public fame or private breath; Who envies none that chance doth raise, Nor vice;who never understood How deepest wounds are given by praise; Nor rules of state,but rules of good; Who hath his life from rumours freed; Whose conscience is his strong retreat; Whose state can neither flatterers feed, Nor ruin make oppressors greate; Who God doth late and early pray More of his grace than gifts to lend; And entertains the harmless day With a religious book or friends; This man is freed from servile bands O' hope to rise or fear to fall: Lord of himself,though not of lands, And having nothing,yet hath all.