Thankless for favours from on high, <br />Man thinks he fades too soon; <br />Though 'tis his privilege to die, <br />Would he improve the boon. <br /> <br />But he, not wise enough to scan <br />His blest concerns aright, <br />Would gladly stretch life's little span <br />To ages, if he might; <br /> <br />To ages in a world of pain, <br />To ages, where he goes <br />Galled by affliction's heavy chain, <br />And hopeless of repose. <br /> <br />Strange fondness of the human heart, <br />Enamoured of its harm! <br />Strange world, that costs it so much smart, <br />And still has power to charm. <br /> <br />Whence has the world her magic power? <br />Why deem we death a foe? <br />Recoil from weary life's best hour, <br />And covet longer woe? <br /> <br />The cause is Conscience :-- Conscience oft <br />Her tale of guilt renews; <br />Her voice is terrible though soft, <br />And dread of death ensues. <br /> <br />Then anxious to be longer spared, <br />Man mourns his fleeting breath: <br />All evils then seem light compared <br />With the approach of Death. <br /> <br />'Tis judgement shakes him; there's the fear <br />That prompts the wish to stay: <br />He has incurred a long arrear, <br />And must despair to pay. <br /> <br />Pay? --follow Christ, and all is paid; <br />His death your peace ensures; <br />Think on the grave where he was laid, <br />And calm descend to yours.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/stanzas-subjoined-to-the-yearly-bill-of-mortality-of-the-parish-of-all-saints-northampton-anno-domini-1792/
