 | Amoretti and Epithalamion |  |
LVIII.
By her that is most assured to her selfe.
Weake is th' assurance that weake flesh reposeth
In her owne powre, and scorneth others ayde;
That soonest fals, when as she most supposeth
Her selfe assurd, and is of nought affrayd.
All flesh is frayle, and all her strength unstayd,
Like a vaine bubble blowen up with ayre:
Devouring tyme and changeful chance have prayd,
Her glories pride that none may it repayre.
Ne none so rich or wise, so strong or fayre,
But fayleth, trusting on his owne assurance;
And he, that standeth on the hyghest stayre,
Fals lowest; for on earth nought hath enduraunce.
Why then doe ye, proud fayre, misdeeme so farre,
That to your selfe ye most assured arre!
Weake is th' assurance that weake flesh reposeth
In her owne powre, and scorneth others ayde;
That soonest fals, when as she most supposeth
Her selfe assurd, and is of nought affrayd.
All flesh is frayle, and all her strength unstayd,
Like a vaine bubble blowen up with ayre:
Devouring tyme and changeful chance have prayd,
Her glories pride that none may it repayre.
Ne none so rich or wise, so strong or fayre,
But fayleth, trusting on his owne assurance;
And he, that standeth on the hyghest stayre,
Fals lowest; for on earth nought hath enduraunce.
Why then doe ye, proud fayre, misdeeme so farre,
That to your selfe ye most assured arre!
| Amoretti and Epithalamion | |