If thou art rich, thou'rt poor,
For, like an ass whose back with ingots bows,
Thou bear'st read more

If thou art rich, thou'rt poor,
For, like an ass whose back with ingots bows,
Thou bear'st thy heavy riches but a journey,
And death unloads thee.

It is sheer madness to live in want in order to be wealthy when you die.

It is sheer madness to live in want in order to be wealthy when you die.

But wealth is a great means of refinement; and it is a security
for gentleness, since it removes disturbing read more

But wealth is a great means of refinement; and it is a security
for gentleness, since it removes disturbing anxieties.
- Ik Marvel (pseudonym of Donald G. Mitchell),

Infinite riches in a little room.

Infinite riches in a little room.

And to hie him home, at evening's close,
To sweet repast, and calm repose.
. . . read more

And to hie him home, at evening's close,
To sweet repast, and calm repose.
. . . .
From toil we wins his spirits light,
From busy day the peaceful night;
Rich, from the very want of wealth,
In heaven's best treasures, peace and health.

Who hath not heard the rich complain
Of surfeits, and corporeal pain?
He barr'd from every use read more

Who hath not heard the rich complain
Of surfeits, and corporeal pain?
He barr'd from every use of wealth,
Envies the ploughman's strength and health.

Base wealth preferring to eternal praise.

Base wealth preferring to eternal praise.

Superfluous wealth can buy superfluities only.

Superfluous wealth can buy superfluities only.

The rich are more envied by those who have a little, than by those who have nothing.

The rich are more envied by those who have a little, than by those who have nothing.