A _Snake_, (which was by wise _Antiquitie_ Much us’d, the type of _Prudencie_ to be) Hemmes in a _Winged-ball_, which doth imply, That _Fickle-fortune_, from which, none are free. Above this _Ball_, the _Snake_ advanceth too, The _Laurell_, and the _Sword_; which, _Emblems_ are, Whereby our _Authour_ maketh much adoe, A _Conquest_ over _Fortune_, to declare. And, well enough this purpose it befits, If (_Reader_) any one of those thou be, Whose _Fortunes_ must be mended by their _Wits_; And, it affords instructions fit for thee: For, hence, thou mayst collect, that, no estate Can, by _Misfortunes_ means, become so bad, But, _Prudence_ (who is _Mistresse_ over _Fate_) May rule it so, that, good it might be made. Though _Fortunes_ outlawes, on thy _Riches_ prey, By _Wisedome_, there is meanes, of getting more; And, ev’ry rub that’s placed in thy way, Shall make thee walke more safely, then before. Nor _Poverty_, nor _Paynes_, nor _Spightfulnesse_, Nor other _Mischiefes_, that _Mischance_ can doe thee, Shall bring thee any sorrow or distresse, Which will not be, at last, advantage to thee. _=Lord=, give me such a =Prudence=: for my =Fortune= Puts many foyles, and cruell thrusts upon me: Thy helpe, long since, it made me to importune; And, thou didst grant it, or she had undone me. Still, daigne me thy assistance, =Lord=, and, than, Let all =Misfortunes=, doe the worst they can._ _A =Life=, with =good-repute=, Jle have, Or, winne an honourable =Grave=._ [Illustration: AVT MORS AVT VITA DECORA ILLVSTR. XLVIII. _Book. 2_]