Lo! in the orient when the gracious light
Lifts up his burning head, each under eye
Doth homage to his new-appearing sight,
Serving with looks his sacred majesty;
And having climb‘d the steep-up heavenly hill,
Resembling strong youth in his middle age,
Yet mortal looks adore his beauty still,
Attending on his golden pilgrimage:
But when from highmost pitch, with weary car,
Like feeble age, he reeleth from the day,
The eyes, ‘fore duteous, now converted are
From his low tract, and look another way:
    So thou, thyself outgoing in thy noon:
    Unlook‘d, on diest unless thou get a son.

Explanation

Lo! In the orient, where the radiant light of the sun begins to illuminate the sky, there is a mesmerising sight that unfolds before our eyes. As the sun, with its gracious presence, emerges over the horizon, every soul bears witness to its magnificent appearance. All eyes pay homage to the new day, reflecting a sense of awe and reverence towards the sun’s sacred majesty.

The sun, like a majestic ruler, ascends the heavenly hills with steadfast determination. Its luminous rays embody the vitality of youth, exuding an aura of strength and vigor even in its middle age. And yet, despite the passing of time, mortals continue to adore the sun’s everlasting beauty, as if attending on its golden pilgrimage.

However, as the sun reaches its zenith and begins its descent, its once bright and powerful chariot starts to falter, resembling the weariness of old age. It almost appears feeble, struggling to bear the weight of the day. And in this moment, the eyes of humanity, once dutifully fixed upon the sun’s path, now turn away and seek other distractions.

Thus, just as the sun’s radiance wanes in its afternoon hours, so too does the importance of an individual diminish if they fail to leave a lasting legacy. Without a child to carry on their name and honour their lineage, one’s existence may remain unacknowledged and forgotten, like the fleeting light of the sun at dusk.

So, my dear reader, take heed of this timeless metaphor and recognize the significance of leaving a lasting impact on the world. Embrace the opportunity to create a legacy that outshines the passing of time and ensures your memory endures. For without this vital connection to the future through the birth of a child, one’s significance may wither away, like the setting sun, lost to the pages of history.