If I were but in his condition,
I should think it hard measure, without being convinced of any
crime, to be sequestered from it and made one of the principal
officers of state. But the reader may think that what I now say is
of small authority, because I never was, nor ever shall be, put to
the trial; I can therefore only make my protestation.
If ever I more riches did desire
Than cleanliness and quiet do require;
If e'er ambition did my fancy cheat,
With any wish so mean as to be great,
Continue, Heaven, still from me to remove
The humble blessings of that life I love.
I know very many men will despise, and some pity me, for this
humour, as a poor-spirited fellow; but I am content, and, like
Horace, thank God for being so. Dii bene fecerunt inopis me,
quodque pusilli finxerunt animi. I confess I love littleness almost
in all things. A little convenient estate, a little cheerful house,
a little company, and a very little feast; and if I were ever to
fall in love again (which is a great passion, and therefore I hope I
have done with it) it would be, I think, with prettiness rather than
with majestical beauty.
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