I Am Of A Temper Fixed As A Decree.

I AM OF A TEMPER FIXED AS A DECREE.

I AM of a temper fixed as a decree, Resolv'd with myself to live happy and free; With the cares of this world I am seldom perplex'd, I am sometimes uneasy, but never quite vex'd; I am neither too high nor too low in degree; There are more that live worse than live better than me.

My life thus moves on amid freedom and ease, I go where I will, and I come when I please; I am plac'd below envy, and yet above spite; I've judgment enough still to do myself right: Some higher, some lower, I own there may be, But ambition and want are both strangers to me.

When money comes in, pleas'd I live till 'tis gone, I am happy when with it, contented with none; If I spend it 'mong friends I count it but lent, It thus goes genteelly — I never repent; With mirth to my labour the hours sweetly pass, Though at Saturday night I am just where I was.