Great Show

Faire Fashion's Way - II

In velvet and in sparkling points of light
From gems and jewels cast, and rich array
Of plumage you parade, great in the sight
Of all who doff and bow upon your way.
Behold the courtier -- a paragon
Of grace beyond the run of common men!
A peacock strutting on the palace lawn
Is such a sight, a royal pet -- yet when
A feast is spread and some great show requir'd
Of Majesty, beware. The fatted calf
Is also greatly favor'd and admir'd.
Each earthly glory hath it's epitaph.
All things do come to pass, and this we know:
The greater fall doth make the greater show.