M Y Spencer, spite is vertues deadly foe,
The best are euer sure to beare the blame,
And enuie next to vertue still doth goe,
But vertue shines, when enuie shrinkes for shame

In common weales what beares a greater sway
Than hidden hate that hoordes in haughtie brest?
In princes courtes it beares the bell away,
With all estates this enuie is a guest.

Be wise, thy wit will purchase priuie hate,
Be rich, with rents flocke in a thousand foes,
Be stout, thy courage will procure debate,
Be faire, thy beautie not vnhated goes.

Beare office thou, and with thy golden mace,
Commes enuie in, and treades vpon thy traine,
Yea, be a Prince, and hate will be in place,
To bid him stand aloofe it is in vaine.

So that I see, that Boccas wordes be true:
For ech estate is peffred with his foe,
Saue miserie, whom hate doth not ensue,
The bigger only doth vnspited goe:

Yet beggers base estate is not the best,
Though enuie let the begger lie at rest.

Sola miseria e senza

inuidia.

Boccacio