The Good Life

(Translation based on Martial, Bk X, 47) My dearest Martial here I list those things that make a man happiest: Money not worked for but inherited, and more grateful when unmerited; a home with everything included; an easy job, a mind clear not deluded, good health, of guilt and conscience free of secret sins and camouflaged hypocrisy; good company, a table not extravagant; nights on the town, yet nothing decadent; a faithful bed, warm and soft, a wife to keep a man free from a double life, untroubled sleep; a long life and fit, not fearing death, much less wishing it.