Fortune Plango Vulnera

Fortune I lament wounds
with eyes still weeping
because its gifts to me
are taken away rebelliously.
It is true, as it is read,
with a hairy forehead,
but often follows
Opportunity bald.
It is true, as it is read,
with a hairy forehead,
but often follows
Opportunity bald.

On Fortune's throne
I sat elated,
crowned with the varied
flowers of prosperity;
whatever I flourished in
happy and blessed,
now from the highest I fell,
deprived of glory.
whatever I flourished in
happy and blessed,
now from the highest I fell,
deprived of glory.

Fortune's wheel turns:
I descend diminished;
another is lifted high;
too exalted
a king sits at the top
beware of ruin!
for under the axis we read
Queen Hecuba.
a king sits at the top
beware of ruin!
for under the axis we read
Queen Hecuba.