XLII
This tells how Phanie to the king
Gave warning that his pride would bring
Him shameful death. The dream but sung
His knell, when he on gallows hung.
Phanie’s interpretation
“‘Fair father,’ quoth the damosel,
‘This dream but rings your passing bell;
I count your pride not worth a cock;6891
The jade hight Fortune doth but mock
And jeer at you; by this portent
I clearly read that she is bent
That you, ere long, on gallows tree
Shall perish; and while mournfully,
The sport of winds, it swings in air,
Heaven’s rain upon your body bare
Shall beat, and then the scorching sun
Shall dry it. So doth Fortune run6900
Against you. She but gives and takes
As pleaseth her; one while she makes
The highest nought, and then amain
The pauper setteth up again
In wealth or splendour. Why should I
Betray your heart with flattery?
Fortune hath ruthlessly assigned
You to the gibbet, and will bind
The halter close about your neck,
And that gold crown that now doth deck6910
Your well-loved head will she uplift
Therefrom, and then as royal gift
