Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A CONTEMPLATION ON MAN'S LIFE, by ANONYMOUS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A CONTEMPLATION ON MAN'S LIFE, by                    
First Line: "vile composition, earth inspir'd with breath"
Last Line: Therefore on that thy utmost care employ
Subject(s): Life


VILE Composition, Earth inspir'd with breath,
Man, that at first wert made of dust and tears,
And then by law divine condemn'd to death;
When wilt thou check thy lusts in their careers?

Change all thy mirth to sorrow, and repent,
That thou so often didst just Heav'n offend,
Deplore thy precious hours so vainly spent,
If thou wilt 'scape such pains as have no end.

The gaping grave expects thee as its right,
'Tis a strait place, but can contain with ease,
Honour, Command, Wealth, Beauty, and Delight,
And all that does our carnal senses please.

Only th' immortal soul can never die,
Therefore on that thy utmost care employ.





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