University of Virginia Library

Epigr. 35. In Fortunum.

I pray thee fortune, (fortune if thou be.)
Come heere aside, for I must braule with thee.
I'st you that sitt as Queene in throne so hye,

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In spite of vertue, witt and honesty?
Haue you a Scepter onely to this ende,
To make him rue which neuer did offend?
I'st your fayre face whose fauour fooles doe finde,
And whose vaine smile makes wise mē change their mind?
Thy hands be ful, yet eye thou hast not one,
Th' arte full of mosse, and yet a rolling stone.
Thou fancyest none; yet put'st the worste in trust,
Thou ta'kt no bribes, and yet dost iudge iniust.
Thou makest Lordes, and yet dost cast them down,
Thou hatest kings, and yet dost keepe their crowne,
Thou neuer stand'st: and yet dost neuer fall;
And car'st for none, and yet hast rule of all,
But fortune, though in princely throne thou sit
I enuie not, it is not for thy witt.