Hanes and Ruskin Antiques - Accessories - Accessories Archives

THE STAGES OF A MAN’S LIFE, FROM THE CRADLE TO THE COFFIN
An helpless Infant sleeping in the cradle.
What fears attend his first endeavors to walk.
With walking tired, he rides the wooden horse.
To school he goes a cheerful [sic] healthy lad.
Apprenticed to a Draper he shuts his Master’s shop.
Set up in trade, he sells goods upon his own account.
Now he seeks happiness in a married state.
His children next engage his love and care.
As a Magistrate he puts the laws in force.
His conduct is approved and chosen Lord Mayor.
Retired from business he lives a country life.
Afflicted with the gout, he spends his days in pain.
Old age creeps on apace and with two sticks he walks.
The crutches now support his tottering frame.
Faintly he breaths, his sight and speech are gone.
A breathless corpse, he’s in a coffin placed.