Were I a King

Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford (1550–1604)

Were I a king I might command content;Were I obscure unknown should be my cares,And were I dead no thoughts should me torment,Nor words, nor wrongs, nor love, nor hate, nor fearsA doubtful choice of three things one to crave,A kingdom or a cottage or a grave.(Vere)

[Sidney's Answer:Wert thou a King yet not command content,Since empire none thy mind could yet suffice,Wert thou obscure still cares would thee torment;But wert thou dead, all care and sorrow dies;An easy choice of these things which to crave,No kingdom nor a cottage but a grave.]