Than be so high that thousands bow the knee.
The happiest men are men of low degree,
Cheerful, contented with their humble lot,
With minds enlighten’d, and with thoughts all free,
Who have no restless cares, of pride begot,
Nor envy others’ fame, because they have it not.
XXI.
I’d rather gaze at earth’s proud pageantry,
Than be a part o’ the show. I love to hide
Far from the envious world’s malignant eye,