Shakespeare Sonnet 29

When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself, and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;

Like a dog who always wants only what the owner has in his hand and never what is in the kennel, so often my discontented heart longs for things of others and not what I currently have.

Or like a small child, who historically is apathetic toward the toys in the bin, is roused to jealousy when another child begins to find pleasure in the small toy truck , so I as well within my soul want those things that others have made fun for my own selfish gain.

The sin of Adam taking what was forbidden (the fruit) was not his most fundamental sin.  Adam, who according to St. Paul represents mankind, fails to appreciate the blessing of not having what he was not given.  He fails take joy in his lackings.

Take joy today in realizing what you do not have, lest you become like Adam and seek glory’s which are too much for you to handle.

Yet in these thoughts my self almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate;
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.