On Monday 1st September I had a major operation. It was a strange sensation being wheeled down to the theatre, knowing that there was some risk I wouldn't come back.
On friday 6th Sept, the Guardian Friday Review carried an article about the epigrams of martial, including this gem, beautifully translated by Brendan Kennelly.
What constitutes a happy life?
Enough money to meet your needs
steady work
a comfortable fire
a clear distance from law
a minimum of city business
a peaceful mind and a healthy body
simple wisdom and firm friends
enjoyable dinners and plain living
nights free from care
a virtuous wife who's not a prude
enough sleep to make the darkness short
contentment with the life you have,
avoiding the sneer, the poisoned sigh;
no fear of death
and no desire to die.
The whole thing is so succicnt and so complete, but the last two lines so telling. It is surely a measure of contentment to have no fear of death but no desire to die!