Classic Poem

I joy not in no earthly bliss;
I force not Croesus' wealth a straw;
For care I know not what it is;
I fear not Fortune's fatal law.
My mind is such as may not move
For beauty bright, nor force of love.

I wish but what I have at will;
I wander not to seek for more;
I like the plain, I climb no hill;
In greatest storms I sit on shore,
And laugh at them that toil in vain,
To get what must be lost again.

I kiss not where I wish to kill;
I feign not love where most I hate;
I break no sleep to win my will;
I wait not at the mighty's gate.
I scorn no poor, nor fear no rich;
I feel no want, nor have too much.

The court and cart I like nor loathe;
Extremes are counted worst of all;
The golden mean between them both
Doth surest sit and fear no fall.
This is my choice; for why I find
No wealth is like the quiet mind.