But what of those who lived in poverty's sway?
The artists, scholars, lauded in the light,
While common folk toiled in the darkest night.
The silks and velvets, the feasts and grand halls,
While hunger gnawed at the city walls.
A plague swept through, a silent, chilling hand,
And many perished, never understood, never planned.
The scholars spoke of man's potential high,
But did they truly see the tears in a peasant's eye?
The patrons and princes, with their lavish display,
While sickness and suffering took their toll each day.
So let us look beyond the gilded facade,
To the truth of hardship, the burdens that were had.
The Renaissance, a time of great change, it's true,
But not for all, and not for all, it knew.