I will bewail, in manner of tragédy, The harm of them that stood in high degree, And fellë so, that there was no remédy To bring them out of their adversitý. For, certain, when that Fortune list to flee, There may no man the course of her wheel hold: Let no man trust in blind prosperity; Beware by these examples true and old.
At Lucifer , though he an angel were, And not a man, at him I will begin. For though Fortúnë may no angel dere, From high degree yet fell he for his sin Down into hell, where as he yet is in. O Lucifer! brightest of angels all, Now art thou Satanas, that may’st not twin Out of the misery in which thou art fall.
Lo Adam , in the field of Damascene With Goddë’s owen finger wrought was he, And not begotten of man’s sperm unclean; And welt all Paradise saving one tree: Had never worldly man so high degree As Adam, till he for misgovernance Was driven out of his prosperity To labour, and to hell, and to mischance.
Lo Sampson , which that was annunciate By the angel, long ere his nativity; And was to God Almighty consecrate, And stood in nobless while that he might see; Was never such another as was he, To speak of strength, and thereto hardiness; But to his wivës told he his secré, Through which he slew himself for wretchedness.
Sampson, this noble and mighty champión, Withoutë weapon, save his handës tway, He slew and all to-rentë the lión, Toward his wedding walking by the way. His falsë wife could him so please, and pray, Till she his counsel knew; and she, untrue, Unto his foes his counsel gan bewray, And him forsook, and took another new.