Whose state stablisht is,[257] in seeming most sure, And so far from daunger of fortune’s blastes, As by the compasse of man’s coniecture, No brasen piller may be fyxt more fast: Yet wanting the stay of prudent forecast, Whan froward fortune list for to frowne, May in a moment turne vpside downe. 2. In proofe whereof, O _Baldwine_, take payne, To hearken a while to[258] _Thomas_ of _Woodstocke_, Addrest in presence his fate to[259] complayne, In the forlorne hope of[260] _English_ flocke: Extract by discent from the[261] royall stocke, Sonne to king _Edwarde_, thirde of that name, And second to none in glory and fame. 3. This noble father to mayntayne my state, With _Buckingham_ earledome did mee indowe, Both nature and fortune to mee were greate, Denying mee nothing[262] which they might allowe: Theyr sundry graces in mee did so flowe, As beauty, strength, high fauour and fame, Who may of God more wish then the same? 4. Brothers wee were to the nombre of seauen, I being the sixt, and yongest but one: A more royall race was not vnder heauen, More stout or more stately of stomacke and person, Princes all peerelesse in eche condition: Namely sir _Edwarde_, called the blacke prince, When had _England_ the like before, or euer since?[263] 5. But what of all this, any man to assure, In state vncarefull of fortune’s variaunce? Syth dayly and hourely wee see it in vre, That where most cause is of affiaunce, Euen there is founde most weake assurance: Let none trust fortune, but follow reason: For often wee see in trust is treason. 6. This prouerbe in proofe ouer true I tried, Finding high treason in place of high trust, And most fault of fayth[264] where I most affied, Being, by them that should haue been iuste, Trayterously entrapt, ere I could mistrust: Ah wretched world what it is to trust thee? Let them that will learne now hearken to mee. 7. After king _Edwarde_ the thirde’s decease, Succeeded my nephewe _Richarde_ to raigne, Who for his glory and honour’s encrease, With princely wages did mee entertayne, Against the _Frenchmen_ to bee his chieftayne: So passing the seas with royall puissaunce, With God and S. _George_ I inuaded _Fraunce_. 8.