This man is free from servile bands
Of hope to rise or fear to fall,
Lord of himself, though not of lands,
And having nothing, yet hath all.

Sir Henry Wotton's verse encapsulates the essence of a fulfilled life, unshackled from the societal chains of ambition and fear. In these lines, he presents a paradox: true freedom and wealth are not measured by land or material possessions but by self-sovereignty. The "servile bands" symbolize the constraints of worldly aspirations and anxieties, which often bind individuals to a cycle of perpetual desire and apprehension. Wotton highlights the profound notion that genuine contentment and mastery come from self-governance and inner peace. The "Lord of himself" indicates a person who possesses autonomy and control over their thoughts and emotions, untouched by external circumstances. By asserting "having nothing, yet hath all," Wotton suggests that a life lived with integrity and simplicity yields a richness beyond material gain. This perspective invites readers to reassess their values and consider where true happiness lies—in the abundance of inner virtues rather than temporal wealth.