Thomas Middleton

I have been a soldier,
Till the helm hath worn those aged temples bare.

I have been a soldier,
Till the helm hath worn those aged temples bare.

Who reigns within himself, and rules
Passions, desires, and fears, is more a king.

Who reigns within himself, and rules
Passions, desires, and fears, is more a king.

Then wander forth the sons
Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine.

Then wander forth the sons
Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine.

For the air of youth,
Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reign
A melancholy damp of read more

For the air of youth,
Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reign
A melancholy damp of cold and dry
To weigh thy spirits down, and last consume
The balm of life.

Beat all your feathers as flat as pancakes.

Beat all your feathers as flat as pancakes.