How Near Am I To Happiness Poem by Thomas Middleton

How near am I to happiness
That earth exceeds not! not another like it:
The treasures of the deep are not so precious,
As are the concealed comforts of a man
Lock's up in woman's love. I scent the air
Of blessings when I come but near the house:
What a delicious breath marriage sends forth!
The violet bed's not sweeter. Honest wedlock
Is like a banqueting house built in a garden,
On which the spring's chaste flowers take delight
To cast their modest odours. ----
-- Now for a welcome,
Able to draw men's envies upon man;
A kiss, now, that will hang upon my lip,
As sweet as morning dew upon a rose,
And full as long.