University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Enter Vanitie solus, all in feathers.
In words, to make description of my name,
My nature or conditions, were but vaine,
Sith this attire so plainely shewes the same,
As shewed cannot be in words more plaine.
For lo, thus round about in feathers dight,
Doth plainely figure mine inconstancie,
As feathers, light of minde, of wit as light,
Subiected still to mutabilitie.
And for to paint me forth more properly,
Behold each feather decked gorgeously,
With colours strange in such varietie,
As plainely pictures perfect Vanitie.
And so I am to put you out of doubt,
Euen Vanitie wholly, within, without,
In head, in heart, in all parts round about:
But whence I come, and why I hither come,
And vpon whom I dayly do attend,
In briefe, to shew you in a little summe,
My speciall meaning is, and so an end.
I came from Fortune, my most soueraigne dame,
Amongst whose chiefest seruants I am one,
Fortune that earthly goddesse great of name,
To whome all suites I doe preferre alone,
She minding in this place forthwith t'appeare,
In her most gorgeous pompe, and Princely port,
Sends me to see all things in Presence here,
Prepar'd and furnisht in the brauest sort.
Here will she mount this stately sumptuous throne,
As she is wont to heare each mans desire:
And who so winnes her fauour by his mone,
May haue of her, the thing he doth require.
And yet another Dame there is, her enemie,
'Twixt whom remaines continuall emulation;
Vertue, who, in respect of Fortunes soueraignety,
Is held, God wot, of simple reputation:
Yet hither comes (poore soule) in her degree,
This other seate halfe forced to supplie:
But 'twixt their states, what difference will be,
Your selues shall iudge, and witnesse when you see:
Therefore I must goe decke vp handsomly,
What best beseemes Dame Fortunes dignitie.

Exit.