Contentment

<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN> <h3 id="id00502" style="margin-top: 3em"> CONTENTMENT</h3> <p id="id00503">Happy the man that, when his day is done,<br/> Lies down to sleep with nothing of regret—<br/> The battle he has fought may not be won—<br/> The fame he sought be just as fleeting yet;<br/> Folding at last his hands upon his breast,<br/> Happy is he, if hoary and forespent,<br/> He sinks into the last, eternal rest,<br/> Breathing these only works: "I am content."<br/></p> <p id="id00504">But happier he, that, while his blood is warm,<br/> See hopes and friendships dead about him lie—<br/> Bares his brave breast to envy's bitter storm,<br/> Nor shuns the poison barbs of calumny;<br/> And 'mid it all, stands sturdy and elate,<br/> Girt only in the armor God hath meant<br/> For him who 'neath the buffetings of fate<br/> Can say to God and man: "I am content."<br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />