However mean your life is,meet it and live it ;do not (shun) it and call it hard names.It is not so bad as you are.It looks poorest when you are (richest).The fault-finder will find faults in (paradise).Love your life,poor as it is.You may perhaps have some pleasant,thrilling,glorious hourss,even in a poor-house.The setting sun is reflected from the windows of the (alms-house) as brightly as from the rich man's abode;the snow melts before its door as early in the spring.I do not see but a quiet mind may live as (contentedly) there,and have as cheering thoughts,as in a (palace).The town's poor seem to me often to live the most independent lives of any.May be they are simply great enough to receive without (misgiving).Most think that they are above being supported by the town;but it often happens that they are not above supporting themselves by (dishonest) means.which should be more disreputable.Cultivate poverty like a garden herb,like sage.Do not (trouble) yourself much to get new things,whether clothes or friends,Turn the old,return to them.Things do not change;we change.Sell your clothes and keep your (thoughts).
