Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/244

210

Of all who lived was he the man

Judged by Apollo Pythian

For wisest, as Solinus saith;

For ne’er could Fortune’s changeful breath

Alter his visage—still ’twas seen,

In joy unmoved—in woe serene.

And even when, because, quoth he,

‘There is but one great Deity,’

They brought to him the poison cup,

Calmly he drank the potion up,

Charging his gaolers they should ne’er

By more than one God use to swear.

held it scorn that joy or woe

Should glad their souls or overthrow

Their calm of mind; without a sigh

Or smile they met stern destiny.

Follow these wise men’s ways, nor swerve

Therefrom, wouldst thou my love deserve.

But let not Fortune’s freaks dismay

Thine heart, although foul tricks she play.

A puny wrestler should I call

The man who suffers Fortune’s fall

Without a struggle, but a-low

Will lie, abashed by overthrow.

No man should let himself be ta’en,

But give her buffets back again

With vigour; Fortune faintly fights

With him who hardy battle dights,

And he who strikes and fears her not,

Whether in palace or in cot,