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.

Check disease in its approach.

Check disease in its approach.

The big thieves hang the little ones.

The big thieves hang the little ones.

An Idle youth, a needy Age.

An Idle youth, a needy Age.

Too much taking heede is losse.

Too much taking heede is losse.

Breaking his oath and resolution, like
A twist of rotten silk.

Breaking his oath and resolution, like
A twist of rotten silk.

The drunkard is convicted by his praises of wine.

The drunkard is convicted by his praises of wine.

Now, my sere fancy "falls into the yellow
Leaf," and imagination droops her pinion;
And the sad read more

Now, my sere fancy "falls into the yellow
Leaf," and imagination droops her pinion;
And the sad truth, which hovers o'er my desk,
Turns what was once romantic to burlesque.

That which prematurely arrives at perfection soon perishes.

That which prematurely arrives at perfection soon perishes.