explain the meaning

a) and then the lover,

sighing like furnace....

b)a soldier,

...seeking the bubble reputation

even in the cannon's mouth.

It is not explained clearly in thr NCERT solutions.

a) The third stage of life is that of lover means when a person enters in a young age. HE is always sighing like furnance for his beloved. He is full of passion and emotions for his beloved.

b)the 4th stage of life is of soldier . he is rwady to die for honour he is quick to seek onour and reputation.He is always ready to sacrifice his life for temporary (bubble ) reputation..

hope it is useful..///