Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE HAPPY LIFE, by MARCUS VALERIUS MARTIALIS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE HAPPY LIFE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Martial [or, my friend], the things that do attain
Last Line: Ne wish for death, ne fear his might.
Alternate Author Name(s): Martial
Variant Title(s): The Means To Attain Happy Life;the Things That Cause A Quiet Life;martial's Quiet Life
Subject(s): Contentment; Home; Nature


MARTIAL, the things that do attain
The happy life be these, I find, --
The riches left, not got with pain;
The fruitful ground, the quiet mind,
The equal friend; no grudge, no strife;
No charge of rule, nor governance;
Without disease, the healthful life;
The household of continuance;
The mean diet, no delicate fare;
True wisdom joined with simpleness;
The night discharged of all care,
Where wine the wit may not oppress;
The faithful wife, without debate;
Such sleeps as may beguile the night;
Contented with thine own estate,
Ne wish for death, ne fear his might.




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