1. Many a bare-backed one, ribs projecting,
Flanks sunk in, whom in his prime

2. Age had bent double, was straight and upright
Ere the womb confined him.

3. Then did senility add to his bend;
The vertebrae of his spine close-knitted

4. When the ligaments slackened in their office.
He lies buried in earth, dust-covered,

5. Of slight esteem, though his mouth gapes wide
As he meets his feeder and takes his food,

6. Which tempts the beholder observant
And deludes the imprudent, till, when he essays it,

7. He casts it hastily away, mindful
That if it profit it may also endanger.

8. How shall his safeguards avail to deliver him
When the hands of Destiny follow after?