The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

I could lean to wild extremes I could do or die,
I could yawn and be withdrawn and watch them gallop by,
What a waste, what a waste, what a waste, what a waste.
‘What a Waste’ (1978 song)
4.115 Sir Edward Dyer d. 1607
My mind to me a kingdom is.
Such perfect joy therein I find
That it excels all other bliss
That world affords or grows by kind.
Though much I want which most would have,
Yet still my mind forbids to crave.
‘In praise of a contented mind’ (1588); attributed
Some have too much, yet still do crave;
I little have, and seek no more.
They are but poor, though much they have,
And I am rich with little store.
They poor, I rich; they beg, I give;
They lack, I leave; they pine, I live.
‘In praise of a contented mind’ (1588); attributed
4.116 John Dyer 1699-1757
The care of sheep, the labors of the loom,
And arts of trade, I sing.
‘The Fleece’ (1757) bk. 1, l. 1
The younger hands
Ply at the easy work of winding yarn
On swiftly-circling engines, and their notes
Warble together as a choir of larks:
Such joy arises in the mind employed.
‘The Fleece’ (1757) bk. 3, l. 281
Industry
Which dignifies the artist, lifts the swain,
And the straw cottage to a palace turns.
‘The Fleece’ (1757) bk. 3, l. 332
While, ever and anon, there falls
Huge heaps of hoary, mouldered walls.
‘Grongar Hill’ (1726) l. 82
But transient is the smile of fate:
A little rule, a little sway,