The Pastime of Pleasure: An Allegorical Poem

by Stephen Hawes

We sawe from farre a goodly region,

Where stode a palayce hye and precious,

Beyonde an haven full tempestuous.

Then sayd Perceveraunce; Beholde ye and se,

Yonder is the palays gay and glorious

Of La Bell Pucelles great humilitie;

A place of pleasure most solacious.

But then we spied a fende fallicious,

Beyond the haven at sure entres

Blowyng out fyre by marveilous wydnes.