The Four Ages of Man. 157
Now age is more; more good you may" expe6t,
But more mine age, the more is my defe6l."
When my wild oates were Ibwn & ripe and mown
I then receiv'd an harveft of mine own.
My realbn then bad judge how little hope
My^ empty feed fhould yield a better crop:
Then with both hands I grafpt the world together
Thus out of one extream into another:
But yet laid hold on virtue feemingly,
Who climbs without hold climbs dangeroufly;
Be my condition mean, I then take pains [52]
My Family to keep, but not for gains.
A Father I, for children muft provide;
But if none, then for kindred near all3'*'d.
If rich, Fm urged then to gather more.
To bear a port^ i'th'world, and feed the poor.
If noble, then mine honour to maintain,
If not, riches nobility can gain.
For time, for place, likewife for each Relation
I wanted not, my ready allegation.
Yet all my powers for felf ends are not fpent.
For hundreds blefs me for my bount}^ lent.-"
Whofe backs I've cloth'd, and bellyes I have fed
With mine own fleece, & with my houfhold bread,
« do.
" After this the first edition has, — But what's of" worth, 3'our ej'es Ihal firft behold, And then a world of drofle among mj gold.
/ Such. 7 me out. ^ vet wealth.
•s fent. Io\'nes.
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