GOOD FORTUNE

Much words are spent, where speech shall not prevail, Long time is lost, in threats and found dispute, Though I good Happen, have born but simple ail, And went aloof, 'tis I must end this suit, And reason bring, as victor of the field, Unto whose troth, your weak discourse shall yield. Fair Beauty here, for whom you foundlings strive, May move, I grant, a God to Like his well, But though she were , the fairest thing alive, (As sure indeed, his beauty does excel) Is that a proof, that you in love must fallen, With that which nought pertains to you at all? Admit his mind, by mean of some consayte, With sweet delight, of fancy may be led, Your eager eyes, most greedy of such bait, In forward hope, a season hath been fed. Shall she be spoiled, for favour she bestow In friendly sort, and not in faithful wise? Nay sure, she shall, ne fame nor freedom loose, For frailties faults, or use of gracious eyes. But to the point, and purpose of your stri e, One pleads good will, by shape and favour God, (A gallant Boy, to please a pleasant wife) Another tells a penned ale by rote, Bedecked and filled with ynck oh ne terms enough. The third comes in, and calls himself Dezart, And each of them are seen in Stories throw, And finely seeks to conquer Love by art. Great sleight is used, and Clerkly cunning both, To force a right, and judgement in this case, Dezart, e tells a trim discourse of troth, The wig makes boast of shining face. And Courage he, by Manhood claimeth all. Great points they are, that pleaded are this day, And unto whom, the Lady now should fallen, Some doubts may rise, if reason boar the sway. But to be brief, fair Shape and comely port, The wise men hold, but outward blossoms vain, And Manhoods force, may here be knit up short, Stout hearts may not, alone the glory gain: Nor yet Deza to, that nearest goes the goal, May win the prize, and thrust his better back, For he it is, that hath the greatest dole, That does in deed, no piece of Fortune lack. Good Fortune still, a Lord of worldly chance Is only judge, himself, of all is done, Bid Strength stand back, good Fortune leads the Dance, Fine shape likewise, with Fortune dare not run. Dezart is dead, where Fortune men advance. So here I prove, since I good Fortune have, This Dame is mine, his destiny wills it so, In Mother's womb, the Gods this gift me gave, She ordained was, with me away to go. Each worldly grace, and rule with Fortune flies, A wife must needs, then sto pe to destnyes lot. Wherefore I here, possess this noble prize, As Jewel rich, by happen and Fortune God. Who strives to take, his now from me by force, Shall have withal, my breath and vital corpse.