THE WISDOM OF PEMÁN

A clear and sound conscience

is the treasure I desire;

 I ask for nothing and expect nothing

 for tomorrow.

 I neither pursue glory, 

 nor does foolish ambition trouble me; 

 And upon being born each morning,

 I ask only of God

a clean house to shelter me,

 fresh bread to eat, a book to read, 

and a Christ to pray to;

 for he who strives and toils

 finds nothing that fulfills him, 

 and he who needs the least

 has more than he who has the most. 

 José María Pemán