Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/253

Fortune’s vicissitudes With wish to honour her, she goes
To that side of the house which shows
So gorgeously, and dwelleth there
In queenly state, attired in fair
Rich regal vesting; passing sweet
Of perfumes, and of colours meet
For Iris’ self; such tints indeed
As dyers, or by herb or seed
Produce, for costliest garments made,
In silk, or wool, or rich brocade,6470
For wealthy folk, who dearly love
To vaunt themselves in pride above
Their fellow mortals. Thus her snares
Doth Fortune set, but never cares
One straw for living man when she
Is ’tired in all her bravery.
When looks she round and notes her great
Honour and wealth, and proud estate;
So madly then is she misled,
That seemeth she to lose her head6480
Outright, and dream that none on earth
But she have smallest count or worth,
Oblivious that on her descend
Oft-times rude strokes ere falls the end.

Then wandereth she about the house,
Till comes she where ’tis ruinous
And all in cue to fall piecemeal,
Yet ceaseless moveth on her wheel.
Then stumbling gropes she, head low bent,
As though she saw not where she went;6490