The leaues, that whilome were so fresh and greene,
In healthlesse autumne to the ground do fall,
And others in their roomes at spring are seene:
So proudest states amongst the states of men
Now mount the loftie top of fortune’s wheele,
Now fall againe, now firmely stand, now reele.
5.
Foure times the state of this same noble Ile
Hath changed been by froward fate’s decree,
And on foure nations fortune’s front did smile,