Fortuneās favours: But she hating all those that have merit and desert, became his inveterate enemy, doing him all the mischief she could, until the God of justice opposed Fortuneās malice, and pulled him out of those ruins she had cast upon him: For this Godās favourites were the Dukeās champions; wherefore to be an enemy to him, were to be an enemy to the God of justice: In short, the true cause of Fortuneās malice to this Duke is, that he would never flatter her; for I Honesty, did command him not to do it, or else he would be forced to follow all her inconstant ways, and obey all her unjust commands, which would cause a great reproach to him: but, on the other side, Prudence advised him not to despise Fortuneās favours, for that would be an obstruction and hindrance to his worth and merit; and he to obey both our advice and counsels, did neither flatter nor despise her; but was always humble and respectful to her so far as honour, honesty and conscience would permit: all which I refer to Truthās judgment, and expect her final sentence.
182