Against Life

What tranquil road, unvex'd by strife, Can mortals chuse thro' human life? Attend the courts, attend the bar— There discord reigns, and endless jar: At home the weary wretches find Severe disquietude of mind; To till the fields, gives toil and pain; Eternal terrors sweep the main: If rich, we fear to lose our store, Need and distress await the poor: Sad cares the bands of hymen give; Friendless, forlorn, th' unmarried live: Are children born? we anxious groan; Childless, our lack of heirs we moan: Wild, giddy schemes our youth engage; Weakness and wants depress old age. Would fate then with my wish comply, I'd never live, or quickly die.