And for that cause a
letter (as A, B) is called a character: those elements which we learn
first, leaving a strong seal in our memories.
Character is also taken for an Egyptian hieroglyphic, for an impress or
short emblem; in little comprehending much.
To square out a character by our English level, it is a picture (real or
personal) quaintly drawn in various colours, all of them heightened by
one shadowing.
It is a quick and soft touch of many strings, all shutting up in one
musical close; it is wit's descant on any plain song.
THE CHARACTER OF A HAPPY LIFE.
BY SIR H. W.[1]
How happy is he born or taught
That serveth not another's will;
Whose armour is his honest thought,
And silly truth his highest skill!
Whose passions not his masters are,
Whose soul is still prepared for death;
Untied unto the world with care
Of princely love or vulgar breath.
Who hath his life from rumours freed,
Whose conscience is his strong retreat;
Whose state can neither flatterers feed,
Nor ruin make accusers great.
Who envieth none whom chance doth raise
Or vice, who never understood
How deepest wounds are given with praise;
Not rules of State, but rules of good.
Who God doth late and early pray
More of His grace than gifts to lend;
Who entertains the harmless day
With a well-chosen book or friend.
This man is free from servile bands,
Of hope to rise, or fear to fall;
Lord of himself, though not of lands,
And having nothing he hath all.
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