The Life of Man from the Cradle to the Grave

Adam the first came on the stage
And Eve out of his side
Was given to him in marriage
Lift up and see his Bride

Eve in full shape you may behold
One body serveth twain.
Do but the leaf once more unfold
Tis very strange again.

You may look on the Mermaids face
But cannot learn her song.
She has such an alluring grace
As she goes swift along.

A Lion roaring from his den
On purpose for to range
Is turned to another shape
Lift up the leaf and see

A different shape you may behold
Half Bird half Beas is he
If you the leaf once more unfold
A strainger sight you’ll see

See here within the Eagles claws
A little child does lie
That he has taken for a prey
All ready for to fly

I heve escaped the eagles claws
And am from danger free
I’ll set my heart to gather gold
Turn down the leaf and see

Here is Gold and Silver store
That cured my heart its sick no more
I’ll go to Sea in hopes to gain
All earthly pleasuse to maintain

Here is a Heart oppress’d with care
O what can cure the same
Under the leaf there is a cure
Lift up its very plain.

Here is Gold and Silver store
Comes from the riches of the Sea
What is now, I can want more
Turn down the leaf and there you’ll see

Poor Man see now thou art but dust
Thy Gold and Silver is but rust
Thy time come the Glass is spent
Not all the world can Death prevent.

Sickness comes on and Death draws nigh
Help Gold and Silver e’re I die
All is in vain tis all but dross
Lift up and see thy end at last.