The wisest man could ask no more of Fate
Than to be simple, modest, manly, true,
Safe from the Many, honored by the Few;
To count as naught in World, or Church, or State,
But inwardly in secret to be great.James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) American diplomat, essayist, poet
“Jeffries Wyman,” The Nation #484 (8 Oct 1874)
(Source)
FYI, the earliest source seems to be The Nation, Vol XIX, No 484, 8 Oct 1874, p 234, col 1 [http://bit.ly/2sXXEsx]. Also, the 19 Nov 1874 issue, p 331, col 2, notes that the publication of this sonnet in October contained a typographical error, i.e., that “court” should have been “count”.
Thanks, Hugh. Citation updated.