The AGE of MAN,
Displayed in the several CHANGES of
HUMAN LIFE.

IN prime of years, when I was young,
I took delight in youthful toys;
Not knowing then what did belong
Unto the pleafures of those days.
At seven years old I was a child,
And subject was to be beguil'd.

At two times seven I go learn
What discipline was taught at school:
Then good from evil I could discern,
I thought myself no more a child:
My parents were contriving then
How I might live when I was a man.

At three times feven I waxed wild,
And manhood led me to be bold;
I thought myself no more a child,

My own conceit it me so told :
Then did I venture far and near,
To buy delight at a price full dear.

At four times seven I muſt take a wife,
And leave off all my wanton ways:
Thinking thereby perhaps to thrive,
And fave myſelf from all difgrace :
So farewel now, my companions all,
For another buſinſs doth me call.

At five times seven I muſt ſtrive hard,
What I could gain by art or ſkill;
But ill againſt the ſtream I ſtrove,
And bowi'd up ſtones againſt the hill:
The more I labour'd with might and main,
The more I ſtrove againſt the ſtream.

At fix times seven all covetouſs
Began to harbour in my breast;
My mind then fill contriving was,
How I might gain this worldly wealth :
To purchase lands, and live on them,
To make my children mighty men.

At seven times seven all wordly care
Began to harbour in my brain ?
Then I did drink a hearty drought
Of water of experience plain :
There was none to ready then as I,
To purchase bargains, to fell or buy.

At eight times feven I waxed old,
And took myſelf unto my reſt;
My neighbours then did my council crave,
And I was held in great requeſt :
But age did ſo abate my strengthe,
That I was forced to yield at length.

At nine times seven I muſt take my leave
Of all my former vain delight;
And then full fore it did me grieve,
I fetched many a heavy ſigh,
To rife up early and fit up late,
I was no longer fit, my ſtrength did abate.

At ten times seven my glaſs was run,
And I poor filly man muſt die;
I looked up and faw the ſun
Had overcome the crystal ſky:
And now I muſt this world forſake,
And another man my place muſt take.

Now you may fee, as in a glaſs,
The whole eſtate of mortal man;
How they from feven to feven do pafs,
Until they are threeſcore and ten.
And when their glaſs is fully run,
They muſt leave off, where they firſt beguile.

Printed and Sold at the Printing-Office i
Bow-Church-Row.

1178552