The Character of a Happy Life

Henry Wotton

Line by Line Analysis of the poem The Character of A Happy Life

How happy is he born and taught
That serveth not another's will;
Whose armour is his honest thought,
And simple truth his utmost skill!

The above excerpt is derived from “The Character of a Happy Life” authored by Henry Wotton. It accentuates the notion of individual liberty and autonomy. It underscores that genuine felicity resides in the ability to live an existence liberated from external constraints or dominion. The stanza suggests that an individual who is not beholden to the will of others is indeed fortunate and content.

“How happy is he born and taught“: This opening line establishes the subject of the stanza—the profound happiness of a person who possesses certain qualities.

“That serveth not another’s will“: This line underscores the importance of not being subservient to the will or desires of another individual. It speaks to the idea of personal sovereignty and independence.

“Whose armour is his honest thought“: Here, “armour” symbolizes a shield or protection. The armor that shields this person is their sincere and unadulterated thinking. This suggests that their commitment to honesty and integrity acts as a defense against machinations and deceit.

“And simple truth his utmost skill“: This line reinforces the emphasis on truthfulness. The individual’s most excellent skill is to embrace the uncomplicated truths of life. This could imply that the person values transparency and directness in their engagements with others.

Whose passions not his masters are;
Whose soul is still prepared for death,
Untied unto the world by care
Of public fame or private breath;

This stanza further explores the characteristics contributing to a happy and fulfilled life. It revolves around the ideas of emotional independence, a readiness to face mortality, and a detachment from the opinions of others.

“Whose passions not his masters are“: This line emphasizes emotional self-mastery. The person who is happy isn’t governed by their passions or desires. They aren’t subservient to impulsive or overwhelming emotions.

“Whose soul is still prepared for death“: This line conveys a sense of acceptance when it comes to mortality. The person is ready to embrace death, suggesting a worldview that acknowledges life’s finite nature.

“Untied unto the world by care“: This phrase underscores the idea of detachment from earthly preoccupations. The person isn’t burdened by excessive worries regarding material possessions or societal expectations.

“Of public fame or private breath“: This line speaks to the person’s indifference to both public acclaim and private gossip. They are not obsessed with seeking external validation or fretting over the opinions of others.

Who envies none that chance doth raise,
Nor vice; who never understood
How deepest wounds are given by praise;
Nor rules of state, but rules of good;

• “deepest wounds” metaphorically represent the negative consequences or emotional hurt that can be inflicted upon an individual through excessive praise or flattery.

This stanza underscores the qualities of the person who is content and happy in their own circumstances.

“Who envies none that chance doth raise,/ Nor vice;“: This suggests that the person is never consumed by the desire for what others have achieved either due to good fortune or through immoral actions.

"who never understood/ How deepest wounds are given by praise":

The lines suggest that the person described in the poem is wise enough not to seek recognition or societal validation through praise. The speaker implies that the person who is truly happy and fulfilled understands that praise can be deceiving and may lead to complacency, self-doubt, or even a loss of authenticity.

“Nor rules of state, but rules of good“: The line suggests that the person described in the poem does not adhere to the manipulative tactics that are associated with politics. Instead, they prioritize and uphold moral principles and ethical values.

Who hath his life from rumours freed;
Whose conscience is his strong retreat;
Whose state can neither flatterers feed,
Nor ruin make oppressors great;

The stanza explores the trait of being unaffected by rumors and gossip. It emphasizes the idea of living a life that is untainted by the opinions or judgments of others.

Who hath his life from rumours freed;: The lines suggest that the person described in the stanza is liberated from the influence of rumors, hearsay, and idle talk.

Whose conscience is his strong retreat;: They are not swayed or influenced by the words or opinions of others, as, they have developed a strong sense of self and rely on their own judgment and values to guide their actions.

Whose state can neither flatterers feed,/Nor ruin make oppressors great;: This line speaks to the person’s immunity to the influences of flattery and oppressors’ tactics. Flatterers, who seek to manipulate through insincere praise, cannot affect their self-esteem. Similarly, oppressive forces or individuals cannot diminish their sense of self-worth or happiness.

Who God doth late and early pray
More of His grace than gifts to lend;
And entertains the harmless day
With a religious book or friend;

This stanza expresses the idea that the person described in the poem finds solace and guidance in their faith.

“Who God doth late and early pray”: The person prays to God diligently, both in the late hours of the day and in the early hours of the morning. This signifies their deep commitment to seeking spiritual connection and divine guidance.

“More of His grace than gifts to lend“: This line suggests that the person values the blessings of God’s grace more than material possessions or worldly achievements. They prioritize cultivating a relationship with God and receiving spiritual blessings rather than merely seeking material wealth or external success.

“And entertains the harmless day“: The person fills their day with activities that are innocent and free from harm. This could imply engaging in wholesome pursuits such as reading, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing spiritual practices.

“With a religious book or friend“: The person finds companionship and enrichment through the company of a religious book, which could refer to reading sacred texts or spiritual literature. They also find comfort and support in the presence of a friend who shares their religious or spiritual beliefs.

—This man is freed from servile bands 
Of hope to rise or fear to fall: 
Lord of himself, though not of lands,
And having nothing, yet hath all. 

This stanza encapsulates the essence of the person described in the poem. It signifies liberation from the chains of servitude, both literal and metaphorical.

“This man is freed from servile bands”: The person is liberated from the bonds of servitude, which could refer to both physical and psychological constraints. They are no longer subservient to the will or control of others. This line highlights the individual’s freedom to live life on their own terms and to make decisions based on their own desires and beliefs.

“Of hope to rise or fear to fall“: This line suggests that the person is not driven by the desire for constant advancement or the fear of failure. They are unaffected by the typical ambitions and anxieties that often accompany societal expectations of success. Instead, they have found peace and fulfillment within themselves, independent of external circumstances.

“Lord of himself, though not of lands“: Here, the phrase highlights the person’s inner strength and sovereignty. They have gained mastery over their own thoughts, emotions, and actions, evoking a sense of self-control and independence. It also implies that their happiness and fulfillment are not dependent on material possessions or wealth, symbolized here by “lands.” The person recognizes that true wealth lies in their inner state of being.

“And having nothing, yet hath all“: This final line paradoxically expresses that despite not possessing material wealth or external riches, the person feels abundance and contentment. They have discovered that true wealth lies in the intangible aspects of life, such as inner peace, genuine relationships, and spiritual fulfillment. The person’s perspective challenges the conventional notion that possessions and wealth are necessary for a fulfilled life. They find fulfillment in the simple joys of existence, experiencing a sense of wholeness and richness without relying on external factors.