Were I a King

Were I a king I might command content; Were I obscure unknown should be my cares, And were I dead no thoughts should me torment, Nor words, nor wrongs, nor love, nor hate, nor fears A doubtful choice of three things one to crave, A kingdom or a cottage or a grave. (Vere)

[Sidney's Answer: Wert thou a King yet not command content, Since empire none thy mind could yet suffice, Wert thou obscure still cares would thee torment; But wert thou dead, all care and sorrow dies; An easy choice of these things which to crave, No kingdom nor a cottage but a grave.]