1. Trust not the fickle days though now they smile,
And proffer thee their mouth of honey'd guile;

2. Take their fair greeting, but suspect the while
Lest bitter fate thy cup of joy defile.

3. If Fortune favour, use her gifts awhile;
Yet ever watch if she shall change her style.

4. When Heaven sends learning unto thee, then wear
Meet raiment for such grace of precious ware.

5. If thou prevail o'er foemen, let them bide,
So shall thy might when need next shall betide.

6. Uplift the lowly: harm not for his need;
Lest he arise in power, and thou his meed.