GLOSSARY Mewling – crying Pard – leopard Jealous in honour – touchy, proud of his reputation capon – good meat
Wise saws, modern instances – clever sayings and examples Pantaloon – baggy trousers Shrunk shank – skinny legs Treble – weak voice Oblivion – forgetfulness, nothingness
The speech in a
nutshell Life is a sad series of seven stages. Babies are crying, needy nuisances; young boys hate school; young men are rash and stupid; middle-aged men are fat, powerful people who become greedy and take bribes; old age is weak, pathetic and ridiculous.
According to this soliloquy: 1
The baby a) Smiles and coos b) Bawls and vomits c) Sleeps peacefully
2
The schoolboy a) Hates school and whinges about it b) Sets off happily to school c) Has nothing to carry
3
The young boyfriend a) Is a great poet b) Writes stupid poems c) Takes it easy
4
The soldier a) Is humble and modest b) Is clean-shaven c) Is willing to lose his life for glory
