title: Careless Philosopher's Soliloquy
author: Henry Livingston Jr.
date: 1787
source: Henry Livingston's manuscript poetry book (Thomas Collection; scans and transcription on henrylivingston.com); printed in Country Journal and Poughkeepsie Advertiser (Poughkeepsie Journal), 5 Sep 1787, signed R ("guarantees Henry is R by publication" - site). URL: https://www.henrylivingston.com/writing/poetry/careless.htm (fetched via https://web.archive.org/web/20250421171941/http://www.henrylivingston.com/writing/poetry/careless.htm)
form: anapestic tetrameter
lines: 14
attribution: certain
notes: Light/philosophical. Title independently listed by Thomas 1919. Key evidence linking Livingston to the pseudonym R. Site heading/headnote: Careless Philosopher's Soliloquy MS scan: https://www.henrylivingston.com/writing/poetry/doublepages/doublepage52-53.htm

I rise when I please, when I please I lie down
Nor seek, what I care not a rush for, renown:
The rattle call'd wealth I have learnt to despise
Nor aim to be either important or wise.

Let women & children & children-like men
Pursue the false trollop the world has called fame.
Who just as enjoyed, is instantly flown
And leaves disappointment the hag in her room.

If the world is content not to stand in my way
The world may jog on both by night & by day
Unimpeded by me - not a straw will I put
Where a dear fellow-creature uplifteth its foot.

While my conscience upbraids not, I'll rise and lye down
Nor envy a monarch his cares and his crown.