A Litany in Time of Plague

    This world uncertain is；

    Fond are life's lustful² joys；

    Death proves them all but toys；

    None from his darts³ can fly；

    I am sick， I must die.

    Lord， have mercy on us！

    Rich men， trust not in wealth，

    Gold cannot buy you health；

    Physic himself must fade.

    All things to end are made，

    The plague full swift goes by；

    I am sick， I must die.

    Lord， have mercy on us！

    Beauty is but a flower

    Which wrinkles will devour⁴；

    Brightness falls from the air；

    Queens have died young and fair；

    Dust hath closed Helen's eye.

    I am sick， I must die.

    Lord， have mercy on us！

    Strength stoops unto the grave，

    Worms feed on Hector brave；

    Swords may not fight with fate，

    Earth still holds open her gate.

    "Come， come！" the bells do cry.

    I am sick， I must die.

    Lord， have mercy on us！

    Wit with his wantonness

    Tasteth death's bitterness；

    Hell's executioner

    Hath no ears for to hear

    What vain art can reply.

    I am sick， I must die.

    Lord， have mercy on us！

    Haste， therefore， each degree，

    To welcome destiny；

    Heaven is our heritage，

    Earth but a player's stage；

    Mount we unto the sky.

    I am sick， I must die.

    Lord， have mercy on us！