Her cruel rigour no one spares,

The blooming cheek, and hoary hairs,

Alike submit to her victorious hand.

O’er all she bears unbounded sway,

All her impartial scythe relentless mows:

Th’ ill-manner’d tyranness no difference shows,

Betwixt imperial and plebeian clay.

II.

When we the dark and dismal beach

Of dreaded floods below shall reach,