Caelica, Sonnet CV

THree things there be in Mans opinion deare,
Fame, many Friends, and Fortunes dignities:
False visions all, which in our sense appeare,
To sanctifie desires Idolatry.

For what is Fortune, but a wat'ry glasse?
Whose chrystall forehead wants a steely backe,
Where raine and stormes beare all away that was,
Whose ship alike both depths and shallowes wracke.

Fame againe, which from blinding power takes light,
Both Caesars shadow is, and Cato's friend,
The child of humour, not allyed to right,
Liuing by oft exchange of winged end.

And many Friends, false strength of feeble mind,
Betraying equals, as true slaues to might;
Like Ecchoes still send voyces down the wind,
But neuer in aduersity finde right.

Then Man, though vertue of extremities,
The middle be, and so hath two to one,
By Place and Nature constant enemies,
And against both these no strength but her owne,
Yet quit thou for her, Friends, Fame, Fortunes throne;
Diuels, there many be, and Gods but one.