Mrs Thrale at 35 verses

Hester Lynch Thrale: Engraving by William Finden 1777/8Verses by Samuel Johnson1.

Oft in danger, yet alive, We are come to thirty-five; Oft may better years arrive, Better years than thirty-five. Could philosophers contrive Life to stop at thirty-five, Time his hours should never drive O'er the bounds of thirty-five. High to soar, and deep to dive, Nature gives at thirty-five. Ladies— stock and tend your Hive, Trifle not at thirty-five! For howe'er we boast and strive, Life declines from thirty-five. He that ever hopes to thrive< Must begin by thirty-five; And those who wisely wish to wive Must look on Thrale at thirty-five.

• 1. Source: Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson, Hester Thrale, and Thraliana December 1777.