The Consolation of Philosophy

When Phoebus with his rosy team

Showeth his lightsome beam,

The dull and darkened stars retire

Yielding to greater fire.

When Zephyrus his warmth doth bring,

Sweet roses deck the spring;

Let noisome Auster blow apace,

Plants soon will lose their grace.

The sea hath often quiet stood

With an unmoved flood,

And often is turmoiled with waves,

When boisterous Boreas raves.

If thus the world never long tarry

The same, but often vary,

On fading fortunes then rely,

Trust to those goods that fly.

An everlasting law is made,

That all things born shall fade."