Definition of "happiness"

Yes, Aline, true happiness comes of true love, and true love should be independent of external influences.

1877, W. S. Gilbert, The Sorcerer

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

1776, United States Declaration of Independence

All happineſſe bechance to thee in Millaine.

c. 1590–1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act I, scene i], page 20, column 2

Some Beauties yet, no Precepts can declare, / For there's a Happineſs as well as Care.

1709, [Alexander Pope], An Essay on Criticism, London: […] W. Lewis […], published 1711, page 10