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

This page needs to be proofread.

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.

  • Eccl. xii. i-S.

'■ that fweet.

��� �