Honest thought and simple truth

How happy is he born and taught That serveth not another's will Whose armour is his honest thought And simple truth his highest skill

Whose passions not his masters are Whose soul is still prepared for death Untied unto the world with care Of princely love or vulgar breath

Who hath his life from rumours freed Whose conscience is his strong retreat Whose state can neither flatterers feed Nor ruin make accusers great

Who God doth late and early pray More of His grace than gifts to lend Who entertains the harmless day With a well chosen book or friend

This man is free from servile bands Of hope to rise or fear to fall Lord of himself, though not lands And having noting, he hath all.