Page:The works of Anne Bradstreet in prose and verse.djvu/253

 The Four Ages of Man. 167

To great to rich, to poor, to young, to old, To mean, to noble, fearful or to bold; From King to begger, all degrees fhall tind But vanity vexation of the niind.'^ Yea, knowing much, the pleafants life of all, Hath yet among thofe fweets '' fome bitter gall ; Though reading others works doth much refrefh, Yet lludying much brings wearinefs to th' flefh: My ftudies, labours, readings all are done, And my laft period now ev'n almoft run. Corruption my Father I do call, Mother and Sillers both, the worms that crawle In my dark houfe, fuch kindred I have ftore. Where I fhall reft till heavens fhall be no more. And when this flefh fliall rot and be confum'd. This body by this Soul fhall be affum'd: And I fliall fee with thefe fame very eyes. My ftrong Redeemer coming in the Skies. Triumph I fhall oVe fin, oVe death, o're Hell, And in that hope I bid you all farewel.

'■ that fweet.
 * Eccl. xii. i-S.

��� �