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Poem
September 2, 1785
Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
The poem explores the pursuit of true happiness, defining it as moderate wealth to avoid poverty, sufficient joy for a serene life, and inner virtue ensuring an honest conscience free from sin, yielding enduring noble joy.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
ON TRUE HAPPINESS.
LONG have I sought, the wish of all,
True happiness to find
Which some call wealth, some pleasure call;
And some a virtuous mind,
Sufficient wealth to keep away,
Of want the doleful scene,
And joy enough to gild the day,
And make life's course serene.
Virtue enough to ask the heart,
Art thou secure within?
Hast thou performed an honest part?
Go
Hast thou no private sin?
This to perform, these things possess,
Must raise a noble joy,
Must constitute that happiness
Which nothing can destroy.
LONG have I sought, the wish of all,
True happiness to find
Which some call wealth, some pleasure call;
And some a virtuous mind,
Sufficient wealth to keep away,
Of want the doleful scene,
And joy enough to gild the day,
And make life's course serene.
Virtue enough to ask the heart,
Art thou secure within?
Hast thou performed an honest part?
Go
Hast thou no private sin?
This to perform, these things possess,
Must raise a noble joy,
Must constitute that happiness
Which nothing can destroy.
What sub-type of article is it?
Ode
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
True Happiness
Virtue
Wealth
Pleasure
Moral Joy
Honest Heart
Poem Details
Title
On True Happiness.
Form / Style
Rhymed Quatrains
Key Lines
Sufficient Wealth To Keep Away, Of Want The Doleful Scene, And Joy Enough To Gild The Day, And Make Life's Course Serene.
Virtue Enough To Ask The Heart, Art Thou Secure Within? Hast Thou Performed An Honest Part? Go Hast Thou No Private Sin?
Must Constitute That Happiness Which Nothing Can Destroy.