Edward Dyer

Sir Edward Dyer (October 1543 – May 1607) was an English courtier and poet.

Quotes

 * My Minde to Me a Kindome Is; Such present joys therein I find, That it excels all other bliss That earth affords or grows by kind: Though much I want which most would have, Yet still my mind forbids to crave.
 * MS. Rawl 85 (1588), p. 17. A very similar but anonymous copy is in the British Museum. Additional MS. 15225, p. 85. And there is an imitation in J. Sylvester’s Works, p. 651, Hannah, Courtly Poets. Compare:
 * My mind to me a kingdom is; Such perfect joy therein I find, As far exceeds all earthly bliss That God and Nature hath assigned. Though much I want that most would have, Yet still my mind forbids to crave.
 * Byrd: Psalmes, Sonnets, etc. 1588.
 * My mind to me an empire is, While grace affordeth health.
 * Robert Southwell (1560–1595), Loo Home.
 * "Mens regnum bona possidet" (translated as "A good mind possesses a kingdom"), Seneca, Thyestes, ii. 380.


 * 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 have; they pine, I live.
 * MS. Rawl 85 (1588), p. 17.