Classic Poem

A Villain, lean as any Rake, appears,
That lookt as pincht with Famine, Ægypt 's Years,
Worn out, and wasted to the pithless Bone,
As one that had a long Consumption.
His rusty Teeth, forsaken of his Lips,
As they had serv'd, with Want, two Prentiships,
Did thro' his pallid Cheeks, and lankest Skin,
Bewray what Number were en-rankt within.
His greedy Eyes, deep sunk into his Head,
Which, with a rough Hair, was o'er-covered.
How many Bones made up this starved Wight
Was soon perceiv'd; a Man of dimmest Sight
Apparently might see them knit, and tell
How all his Veins, and ev'ry Sinew fell.
His Belly, inwards drawn, his Bowels prest,
His unfill'd Skin hung dangling on his Breast;
His feeble Knees, with Pain enough, uphold,
That pined Carcase, casten in a Mould,
Cut out by Death 's grim Form. —