Poems That Every Child Should Know/A Happy Life

by Henry Wotton

For other versions of this work, see The Character of a Happy Life.

A Happy Life.

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

Whose passions not his master's are,
Whose soul is still prepared for death,
Not tied unto the world with care
Of public fame, or private breath.

Sir Henry Wotton.