The Life and Age of Man

IN prime of years, when I was young,I took delight in youthful ways,Not knowing then what did belongUnto the pleasures of those days.At seven years old I was a child,And subject then to be beguiled.

At two times seven I went to learnWhat discipline is taught at school:When good from ill I could discern,I thought myself no more a fool:My parents were contriving than,How I might live when I were man.

At three times seven I waxèd wild,When manhood led me to be bold;I thought myself no more a child,My own conceit it so me told:Then did I venture far and near,To buy delight at price full dear.

At four times seven I take a wife,And leave off all my wanton ways,Thinking thereby perhaps to thrive,And save myself from sad disgrace.So farewell my companions all,For other business doth me call.

At five times seven I must hard strive,What I could gain by mighty skill;But still against the stream I drive,And bowl up stones against the hill;The more I laboured might and main,The more I strove against the stream.

At six times seven all covetiseBegan to harbour in my breast;My mind still then contriving wasHow I might gain this worldly wealth;To purchase lands and live on them,So make my children mighty men.

At seven times seven all worldly thoughtBegan to harbour in my brain;Then did I drink a heavy draughtOf water of experience plain;There none so ready was as I,To purchase bargains, sell, or buy.

At eight times seven I waxèd old,And took myself unto my rest,Neighbours then sought my counsel bold,And I was held in great request;But age did so abate my strength,That I was forced to yield at length.

At nine times seven take my leaveOf former vain delights must I;It then full sorely did me grieve—I fetchèd many a heavy sigh;To rise up early, and sit up late,My former life, I loathe and hate.

At ten times seven my glass is run,And I poor silly man must die;I lookèd up, and saw the sunHad overcome the crystal sky.So now I must this world forsake,Another man my place must take.

Now you may see, as in a glass,The whole estate of mortal men;How they from seven to seven do pass,Until they are threescore and ten;And when their glass is fully run,They must leave off as they begun.