| Seccombe and Arber, comps. Elizabethan Sonnets. 1904. | | | | Amoretti and Epithalamion | | Sonnet LVIII. Weak is th’ assurance that weak flesh reposeth | | Edmund Spenser (1552?–1599) |
| | By her that is most assured to her self |
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WEAK is th’ assurance that weak flesh reposeth | |
| In her own power, and scorneth other’s aid; | |
| That soonest falls, when as she most supposeth | |
| Herself assured, and is of naught afraid. | |
| All flesh is frail, and all her strength unstayed, | 5 |
| Like a vain bubble blowen up with air; | |
| Devouring time and changeful chance have prey’d | |
| Her glory’s pride that none may it repair. | |
| Ne none so rich or wise, so strong or fair, | |
| But faileth, trusting on his own assurance; | 10 |
| And he, that standeth on the highest stair, | |
| Falls lowest; for on earth naught hath endurance. | |
| Why then do ye, proud fair, misdeem so far, | |
| That to yourself ye most assured are! | | | |
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