1 Adieu, farewell earth's bliss, <br />2 This world uncertain is; <br />3 Fond are life's lustful joys, <br />4 Death proves them all but toys, <br />5 None from his darts can fly: <br />6 I am sick, I must die. <br />7 Lord, have mercy on us! <br /> <br />8 Rich men, trust not in wealth, <br />9 Gold cannot buy you health; <br />10 Physic himself must fade; <br />11 All things to end are made; <br />12 The plague full swift goes by: <br />13 I am sick, I must die. <br />14 Lord, have mercy on us! <br /> <br />15 Beauty is but a flower <br />16 Which wrinkles will devour; <br />17 Brightness falls from the air, <br />18 Queens have died young and fair, <br />19 Dust hath clos'd Helen's eye: <br />20 I am sick, I must die. <br />21 Lord, have mercy on us! <br /> <br />22 Strength stoops unto the grave, <br />23 Worms feed on Hector brave, <br />24 Swords may not fight with fate, <br />25 Earth still holds ope her gate; <br />26 Come, come, the bells do cry. <br />27 I am sick, I must die. <br />28 Lord, have mercy on us! <br /> <br />29 Wit with his wantonness <br />30 Tasteth death's bitterness: <br />31 Hell's executioner <br />32 Hath no ears for to hear <br />33 What vain art can reply: <br />34 I am sick, I must die. <br />35 Lord, have mercy on us! <br /> <br />36 Haste, therefore, each degree <br />37 To welcome destiny: <br />38 Heaven is our heritage, <br />39 Earth but a player's stage: <br />40 Mount we unto the sky. <br />41 I am sick, I must die. <br />42 Lord, have mercy on us!<br /><br />Thomas Nashe<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/adieu-farewell-earth-s-bliss/
