Robert Greene (1560 - 1592)
Sweet are the thoughts that savour of content;
The quiet mind is richer than a crown;
Sweet are the nights in careless slumber spent;
The poor estate scorns fortune's angry frown:
Such sweet content, such minds, such sleep, such bliss,
Beggars enjoy, when princes oft do miss.
The homely house that harbours quiet rest;
The cottage that affords no pride nor care;
The mean that 'grees with country music best;
The sweet consort of mirth and music's fare;
Obscured life sets down a type of bliss:
A mind content both crown and kingdom is.
A prolific writer of questionable social repute, Robert Greene supported himself with his writing by selling small books filled with stories about the seedier side of London's night life. Perhaps these works were the earliest inspiration for People Magazine, OK!, and TMZ. In addition, he was a dramatist, writing plays and performances, as well as a poet and essayist.
