THIS, Clement Marot (if you wish to know) Can upon man a happy life bestow; Goods you don't earn, but by bequest acquire, A pleasant wholesome house, and constant fire. Hated by none, yourself devoid of hate, And little meddling with affairs of state: A wise and simple life, true friends, and like A good plain fare, with nought the eyes to strike, With all in easy converse to combine: Pass careless nights, not careless made by wine; A wife to have--kind, joyous, chaste, and bright; And well to sleep, which shorter makes the night; Contented with your rank, nor wish for higher; And neither death to fear, nor death desire. This, Clement Marot (if you wish to know) Can upon man a happy life bestow. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BEFORE A STATUE OF ACHILLES by GEORGE SANTAYANA GOOD-BYE by RALPH WALDO EMERSON MODERN LOVE: 47 by GEORGE MEREDITH ON IMAGINATION by PHILLIS WHEATLEY BRUCE: HOW THE BRUCE CROSSED LOCH LOMOND by JOHN BARBOUR THE WOLD WALL by WILLIAM BARNES STANZAS ADDRESSED TO SOME FRIEND GOING TO THE SEA-SIDE by BERNARD BARTON |