Angellica’s Lament

Had I remained in innocent security,

I should have thought all men were born my slaves,

And worn my power like lightning in my eyes,

To have destroyed at pleasure when offended.

—But when love held the mirror, the undeceiving glass

Reflected all the weakness of my soul, and made me know

My richest treasure being lost, my honour,

All the remaining spoil could not be worth

The conqueror’s care or value.

—Oh how I fell like a long worshipped idol

Discovering all the cheat.