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gallants! tell me this

(Though my safe content you weigh not),

In your greatness, what one bliss

Have you gained, that I enjoy not?

You have honours, you have wealth;

I have peace, and I have health:

All the day I merry make,

And at night no care I take.

Bound to none my fortunes be,

This or that man's fall I fear not;

Him I love that loveth me,

For the rest a pin I care not.

You are sad when others chaff,

And grow merry as they laugh;

I that hate it, and am free,

Laugh and weep as pleaseth me.

You may boast of favours shown,

Where your service is applied:

But my pleasures are mine own,

And to no man's humour tied.

You oft flatter, sooth, and feign;

I such baseness do disdain;

And to none be slave I would,

Though my fetters might be gold.

By great titles, some believe,

Highest honours are attained;

And yet kings have power to give

To their fools, what these have gained.

Where they favour there they may

All their names of honour lay;

But I look not raised to be,

'Till mine own wing carry me.

Seek to raise your titles higher;

They are toys not worth my sorrow: