A Plain Life

No idle gold -- since this fine sun, my friend, Is no mean miser, but doth freely spend. No prescious stones -- since these green mornings show, Without a charge, their pearls where'er I go. No lifeless books -- since birds with their sweet tongues Will read aloud to me their happier songs. No painted scenes -- since clouds can change their skies A hundred times a day to please my eyes. No headstrong wine -- since, when I drink, the spring Into my eager ears will softly sing. No surplus clothes -- since every simple beast Can teach me to be happy with the least.