The poem's subject matter centers around the complexities of honesty and its relationship to fortune, or luck.
It explores the following themes:
* The paradoxical nature of honesty: The speaker observes that honest people often face hardship and misfortune, while those who are dishonest seem to prosper.
* The value of integrity: Despite the apparent disadvantages, the poem champions the importance of being honest even when it's difficult.
* The role of fate and fortune: The speaker contemplates whether good fortune is truly deserved, and if it's possible to be both honest and successful.
* The struggle for recognition and reward: The poem suggests that true worth and integrity may not always be recognized or rewarded in a just way.
In essence, the poem reflects on the challenging realities of living an honest life in a world where dishonesty often appears to be rewarded.