Gainst him, poor thrall, Wanton Fortune plays her vainest. Guilt’s deserved punishment Falleth on the innocent; High uplifted, the profanest On the just their malice vent.”

I stood before my guards and asked if the Great Architect could possibly look away from us alone. It seemed clear that while stars obey fixed laws and seasons turn with certainty, we are tossed by a wind that cares for no rule. When I saw a friend stripped of his rank because a rival sought gold, I felt the weight of this thought pressing on my chest. The wicked rise not by right but by chance, and the just fall not by sin but by accident.

I ask you to remember your own standing is not in the eyes of men who trade in fear and greed. Do not let their laughter make you doubt your own integrity when they have nothing to lose. If you are good, do not fear that the world will remain silent while evil triumphs. Keep your heart steady, for the order of things is true even when our small sight cannot see it clearly now.