"Whilom I lived, content in Fortune's smile, Rich, blameless, fair, and young; to sad reverse Condemned, I now am wretched, poor, and vile, And in worse case, if any yet be worse.
But it is fitting, I to thee this while From their first root my troubles should rehearse.
And it will soothe me, though of thee I borrow No help, that thou compassionate my sorrow.
