Adieu, farewell, earth's bliss; <br />This world uncertain is; <br />Fond are life's lustful joys; <br />Death proves them all but toys; <br />None from his darts can fly; <br />I am sick, I must die. <br />Lord, have mercy on us! <br /> <br />Rich men, trust not in wealth, <br />Gold cannot buy you health; <br />Physic himself must fade. <br />All things to end are made, <br />The plague full swift goes by; <br />I am sick, I must die. <br />Lord, have mercy on us! <br /> <br />Beauty is but a flower <br />Which wrinkles will devour; <br />Brightness falls from the air; <br />Queens have died young and fair; <br />Dust hath closed Helen's eye. <br />I am sick, I must die. <br />Lord, have mercy on us! <br /> <br />Strength stoops unto the grave, <br />Worms feed on Hector brave; <br />Swords may not fight with fate, <br />Earth still holds open her gate. <br />"Come, come!" the bells do cry. <br />I am sick, I must die. <br />Lord, have mercy on us! <br /> <br />Wit with his wantonness <br />Tasteth death's bitterness; <br />Hell's executioner <br />Hath no ears for to hear <br />What vain art can reply. <br />I am sick, I must die. <br />Lord, have mercy on us! <br /> <br />Haste, therefore, each degree, <br />To welcome destiny; <br />Heaven is our heritage, <br />Earth but a player's stage; <br />Mount we unto the sky. <br />I am sick, I must die. <br />Lord, have mercy on us!<br /><br />Thomas Nashe<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-litany-in-time-of-plague/
