Page:The works of Anne Bradstreet in prose and verse.djvu/234

 i4<^ Anne Bradjireefs Works.

In danger every moment of a fall,

And when tis broke then ends his life and all:

But if he hold till it have run its lall,

Then may he live out^ threefcore years or pall.

Next Youth came up in gorgeous attire,

(As that fond age doth moft of all defire)

His Suit of Crimfon and his fcarfe of green,

His pride in's countenance was quickly feen,

Garland of rofes, pinks and gilli-flowers

Seemed on's head to grow bedew'd with fliowers:

His face as frefh as is Aiirora fair,

When blufhing fhe firft 'gins to light ^ the air.

No wooden horfe, but one of mettal try'd,

He feems to fly or fwim, and not to ride.

Then prancing on the ftage, about he wheels.

But as he went death waited at his heels.

The next came up in a much ' graver fort,

As one that cared for a good report,

His fword by's fide, and choler in his eyes,

But neither us'd as yet, for he was wife:

Of Autumns fruits a basket on his arm,

His golden God in's purfe, which was his charm.

And laft of all to a6l upon this ftage

Leaning upon his llatf came up Old Age,

Under his arm a Iheaf of wheat he bore,

An harveft of the bell, what needs he more /

In's other hand a glafs ev'n almoft run, [4::;]

Thus writ about This out then am I done.

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