Classic Poem

Martial's epigram. englished.
Vitam qu ae faciunt beatiorem etc.

1.

Wou'd you know what things those bee
That make a man liue happily
A good Estate, yet not, w th labour gott
But bequeathd by Legacie.

2.

Fruictfull Land, Fires burning braue,
And never brangling suites to haue
None office; nothing thought nor said nor wrought
The mynds peace to bereaue.

3.

Natiue health in bodie free
A pure, but wise Simplicitie
Few equall freinds, & food Soone gott but good
Yet no curious Cookerie.

4.

Nights not drunke, but free from weight
Of Cares by drinking to an height
A wife not sullein sadd, nor ramping madd
Like a Dove, as chast, as white.

5.

Golden sleepes darke nights to chaze
No stretchd desires Aboue thy place.
Nothing covett nor feare; when Death is neare,
Nor yett wish him mend his pace.