Labour in Vain or, What Signifies Little or Nothing. Viz. I. The Poor Man's Petitioning at Court. II. Expectation of Benefit from a Covetous Man in his Life-time. III. The Marriage of an Old Man to a Young Woman. IV. Endeavours to Regulate Mens Manners by Preaching or Writing. V. Being a Jacobite. VI. Confining an Insolvent Debtor. VII. Promise of Secrecy in a Conspiracy. VIII. An Enquiry after a Place [by Edward Ward] |
 |
|
|
|
The Marriage of an Old Man to a Young Woman.
|
|
|
|
|
 | Labour in Vain |  |
The Marriage of an Old Man to a Young Woman.
9
[When Waves Swol'n high by force of mighty Wind]
When Waves Swol'n high by force of mighty Wind,They fiercely meet, and are in Battic joyn'd;
The frothy Salt, with motion's set on Fire;
But Wash'd with Native Water, soon expire:
10
Which Shuffles up and down the Aged Dust,
Salt Sparks are blown into a sudden Flame,
But Ages Moisture soon does quench the same.
The old Mans boasting Promises in Love,
Do little signifie, as Women prove;
'Tis Vapour all, and Limber as my Glove.
In Vain the Aged Man hopes to Receive
Blessings, which only Spritely Youth can give;
In Vain a Woman does expect a Trade,
From one whom Stingy Age has Bankrupt made;
Such Disappointments happen to them both,
Which makes the Marriage prove of little worth.
| Labour in Vain | |