Classic Poem

Three things there be in man's opinion dear,
Fame, many friends, and fortune's dignities:
False visions all, which in our sense appear,
To sanctify desire's idolatry.
For what is fortune, but a watery glass?
Whose crystal forehead wants a steely back,
Where rain and storms blow all away that was,
Whose ship alike both depths and shallows wrack.
Fame again, which from blinding power takes light,
Both Caesar's shadow is, and Cato's friend,
The child of humour, not allied to right,
Living by oft exchange of winged end.
And many friends, false strength of feeble mind,
Betraying equals, as true slaves to might;
Like echoes still send voices down the wind,
But never in adversity find right.
Then man, though virtue 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 own,
Yet quit thou for her, friends, fame, fortune's throne;
Devils there many be, and Gods but one.