This page has been validated.
7
Folks cry out hard times, but I never regard;
For I ne’er did, nor e’er will let my heart earthward:
So ’tis all one to me be they easy or hard.
I envy not them that have thousands of pounds
That sport o’er the country with homes an hounds;
There’s naught but contentment can keep within bounds.
I ne’er lose my time o’er a pipe and a pot,
Nor lurk in a nook, like a flugga'rdly lot:
But I buy what is wanting with what I have ⟨got⟩
And if I have more then I want for to spend,
I help a poor neighbour, or diligent friend;
“He that gives to the poor, to the Lord he ⟨does⟩ lend.”
I grudge not that gentlefolk dress ⟨themselves⟩;
At their gold and their silver I never repine
But I wish their insides were as hearty as ⟨mine.⟩
