Although that Nero were so vicious As any fiend that lies full low adown, Yet he, as telleth us Suetonius, 4131 This widë world had in subjectioún, Both East and West, South and Septentrioún. Of rubies, sapphires, and of pearlës white Were all his clothes embroider’d up and down, For he in gemmës greatly gan delight.

More delicate, more pompous of array, More proud, was never emperor than he; That ilkë cloth 4132 that he had worn one day, After that time he would it never see; Nettës of gold thread had he great plentý, To fish in Tiber, when him list to play; His lustës were as law, in his degree, For Fortune as his friend would him obey.