XVII. Rocked in a cradle, like as infants be

Robert Tofte (1561–1620)

ROCKED in a cradle, like as infants be,

When I was young, a little wanton child,

Two dainty dugs did nourish life in me;

Whilst oft on them, with teat in mouth, I smiled.

Ah, happy I! thrice happy, might I say;

Whilst in that harmless state I then did stay.

But now that I am come to man’s estate;

Such dugs as nursed me in delight and joy

Do seek my death, by poisonous sugared bait;

Whose sight, without possession, breeds me ’noy.

So what, in childhood, causèd me to live;

Now, in my youth, doth death unto me give.