IN TIME OF PESTILENCE
by: Thomas Nashe (1567-1601)
- DIEU, farewell
earth's bliss!
- This world uncertain is:
- Fond are life's lustful joys,
- Death proves them all but toys.
- None from his darts 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 devour;
- 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 ope 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!
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POEMS BY THOMAS NASHE |
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