As good, or better, if you will,
In this my free translation.
1.
They may rail at this world, and say that the devil
Rules o’er it, usurping the mace of the Lord;
In my soul I detest all such impious cavil,
While I sit as a guest at life’s bountiful board.
I was young; I am old, and my temples are hoary,
On Time’s rocking tide I have gallantly oared;
This wisdom I learned, ’tis the sum of my story,