Fortune

Fortune’s favor spins its dizzying course

Spying to lift frail shoulders and break sturdy backs

Like a serpent in the grove selling its counsel

This saint spreads his providence

 Blessings smoothly blended with a curse;

Misfortune with a passing pleasure

Giving always to those who seek not

Opening for those who needn’t knock

Yet desperate men delve in desperate thought

 And crave contract under chance’s fixed rule

Here am I, lend thy servant his lot

And find me fortune or a fool.