Contentment

Not so our Manor's Lord; no part hath he
Within our Borough, therefore may be free;
In his own Mansion he resides, with all,
That Man requires attending on his Call.
He loves his Ease, but yet has ofttimes proved
That, Minds assenting, Bodies may be moved.
He loves his own good Lady, and her Word
Is Law to all--except her own good Lord.
He takes Life's Comforts for a general Good,
But does not take her Cordials for his Food.
Nor thinks, because the Vine grew juice for Man,
That he may take what Quantity he can--
So that our worthy Squire is one who tries
To be as merry as becomes the Wise;
And, tho' for Wisdom he was not renowned,
He answered Questions puzzling or profound.

He loved his Daughters, but did not believe
They were the fairest ever sprung from Eve.