Wouldst thou be free? I think it not, indeed;
But if thou wouldst, attend this simple rede:
When quite contented
Thou shall be free when thou canst dine at home And drink a small wine of the march of Rome; When thou canst see unmoved thy neighbour’s plate, And wear my threadbare toga in the gate; When thou hast learned to love a small abode, And not to choose a mistress à la mode:
When thus contained and bridled thou shalt be, Then, Maximus, then first shalt thou be free.