Prelude

Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi --- Fortune, Empress of the World

1. Fortuna--- O Fortune

2. Fortune plango vulnera--- I Lament the Wounds That Fortune Deals

• These monks, the Rangers believe that life under the mercy of Fortuna, as the moon wanes natural cycle. To ease the pain only to carpe diem, indulge in alcohol, gambling, and sensual.
  
  
• “O Fortuna”, the first poem in the Schmeller edition, completes this circle, forming a compositional frame for the work through being both the opening and closing movements.