Z 241 An Ape, a Lion, a Fox, and an Ass. [Neapolitan translation]

An Ape, a Lion, a Fox, and an Ass,

Do shew forth Man's Life as it were in a Glass:

For Apish we are till Twenty and one,

And after that, Lions till Forty be gone;

Then witty as Foxes till Threescore and Ten,

but after that Asses, and so no more Men.

A Dove, a Sparrow, a Parrot, a Crow,

As plainly sets forth how you Women may know:

Harmless they are, till Thirteen be gone,

Then Wanton as Sparrows till Forty draw on;

Then Prating as Parrots till Threescore be o'er,

Then Birds of ill Omen, and Women no more.

• Artist:Henry Purcell
• Album:The Complete Vanguard Classics Recordings.