The Beginning, Progress, and End of Man.

HEre Adam first leads up the Van,
(true Mirrour of unstained life;)
Till that he grew a Married Man,
turn up the Leaf and see his Wife.
[depiction of Adam, covered by a figleaf, holding a flower]
Here Cain the first of Men by Birth,
brings Offerings with his Brother;
Cain brings the first Fruits of the Earth,
turn up and see the other.
[depiction of Cain making offering corn on an altar]
The Lyon rouz'd his floating Mane,
in Curls, displays his fire Breast,
He Rampant breaths forth high disdain,
lift up and see a stranger Beast.
[depiction of lion rampant]
But see what Providence hath done,
the Child is safe, the Eagles flown;
His Heart now after Gold doth run,
turn down and see what there is shown.
[depiction of child holding a staff]
What Stars can this my bliss destroy,
that have so many Bags in store;
Vain Man forbear this flattering joy,
turn down and thou wilt mind me more
[depiction of man holding moneybags]
Eve in her Virgins blush Array'd,
her Face more fair, her smiles are freer;
But would you see a stranger Maid,
turn down the Leaf and you shall see her
[depiction of mermaid, holding a flower and combing her hair]
Eyes look not on the Mermaids face,
and Ears forbear her Song;
Her Face hath an alluring Grace,
more charming is her Tongue.
Here Abel comes and brings to God
the best and youngest of his Fold;
But would you learn his period,
turn down the Leaf and it behold.
[depiction of Abel offering a burnt lamb on an altar]
[depiction of Cain wrestling with Abel]
Accursed Cain! what dost thou do?
must Brothers Murther thus begin?
And one Man dye, e're more then two
as yet were born, to mourn thy sin?
The Griffins Head and Wings unto
the Lyons Back and Legs are joyn'd;
Turn down the lower Leaf, and you
a new and stranger sight shall find.
[depiction of eagle with a swaddled baby in its claws]
An Eagle here which is display'd,
doth gripe (alas) a [...]ovely Prey;
Why is there help so [...]ong delay'd,
to rescue this sweet Babe away?
Possest with Gold in every part,
a sudden joy & health doth warm him,
His heavy purse makes light his heart,
and now he boasts what power can harm him
[depiction of a purse of money]
A Heart turn'd upside down, wholly
fix'd on this worlds unconstant wealth;
Sick of a greedy Melancholly,
turn up and find its way to Health.
On this false World vain was my stay,
and empty was my Laughter;
I go before and lead the way,
and thou cam'st Jogging after.
[depiction of skeleton holding an arrow and pikehead]
Dropsies draw nigh, the Feavers burn him
the Chollick girds and lays him waste;
Consumptions threat to dust to turn him,
turn up and you shall read his last.

Printed for I. Deacon, at the Angel in Guiltspur-street.

Licensed and Entred, According to Order.

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