The Works of Capt. Alex. Radcliffe In one Volume ... The Third Edition Augmented [by Alexander Radcliffe] |
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Death and the old man.
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 | The Works of Capt. Alex. Radcliffe |  |
Death and the old man.
A poor old man, who had by cleaving wood,
Full threescore years procur'd a livelihood;
He never ran the various risques of Fate,
Each day his shoulders bore an equal weight,
Till now at last of Age he did complain,
And thought each Load did weigh as much again.
Full threescore years procur'd a livelihood;
He never ran the various risques of Fate,
Each day his shoulders bore an equal weight,
Till now at last of Age he did complain,
And thought each Load did weigh as much again.
One Evening coming home he made a stop,
And wanting strength, he let his Burden drop;
Then sate upon it, with a proud neglect,
And ner'e till now did on himself reflect.
And wanting strength, he let his Burden drop;
Then sate upon it, with a proud neglect,
And ner'e till now did on himself reflect.
What Being's this call'd Man, and what am I?
One of the Drudges of Mortality.
I've cut down Wood enough, now Death attend,
And to my Life and Labour put an end:
With that the Grisly Skelleton appear'd,
And the old man was from his Senses scar'd:
One of the Drudges of Mortality.
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And to my Life and Labour put an end:
With that the Grisly Skelleton appear'd,
And the old man was from his Senses scar'd:
Quoth Death, Old fellow, if you'd speak with me,
I'le give a period to your misery:
Oh No, sweet Sir, quoth the amazed Grandsire,
I wish it not, as I'me a living man Sir;
I only did desire, because I'me weak,
And cannot lift this Burthen to my Neck,
That you'l be pleas'd, to lend a helping hand,
And I'am yours, hereafter, to command.
I'le give a period to your misery:
Oh No, sweet Sir, quoth the amazed Grandsire,
I wish it not, as I'me a living man Sir;
I only did desire, because I'me weak,
And cannot lift this Burthen to my Neck,
That you'l be pleas'd, to lend a helping hand,
And I'am yours, hereafter, to command.
Moral.
Silly old Wretch, who living art opprest,Yet dar'st not venture on Eternal rest.
| The Works of Capt. Alex. Radcliffe | |