Seest thou the daily light of the greater world? when attained to the highest pitch of meridian glory, it stayeth not; but by the same degrees it ascended, it descendeth. And is the light of the lesser world more permanent? Continuance is the child of eternity, not of time. EPIG. 13. To the young man. Young man, rejoice; and let thy rising days JOHN JOHN xii. 35. Yet a little while is the light with you. 1. HE day grows old, the low-pitch'd lamp hath made TH And the descending damp doth now prepare T'uncurl bright Titan's hair; Whose western wardrobe now begins t'unfold To cloath his ev'ning glory, when th' alarms 2. Nature now calls to supper, to refresh The toiling plowman drives his thirsty teams, The droiling swineherd knocks away, and feasts The box-bill ouzel,† and the dappled thrush, 3. And now the cold autumnal dews are seen To cobweb ey'ry green; And by the low-shorn rowenst doth appear The fast declining year : The sapless branches doff their summer suits, And stormy blasts have forc'd the quaking trees *Droiling; i. e. drudging. mossy freeze. t Ouzel; i, e. black bird. Rowens; i. e. short latter grase, 4. Our wasted taper now has brought her light Her sprightless flame, grown great with snuff, doth turn Her slender inch, that yet unspent remains, Lights but to further pains; And, in a silent language, bids her guest 5. Now careful age hath pitch'd her painful plow He threatens youth with age; and now alas ! 6. Grey hairs, peruse thy days; and let thy past Those hasty wings, that hurry'd them away, The constant wheels of nature scorn to tire Until her works expire: That blast that nipt thy youth, will ruin thee; That hand that shook the branch, will quickly strike the S. CH [tree. |