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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SUMMER'S LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT: A LITANY IN TIME OF PLAGUE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Adieu, farewell earth's bliss! / this world uncertain is
Last Line: Lord, have mercy on us.
Alternate Author Name(s): Nash, Thomas+(1)
Variant Title(s): A Lament;in Time Of Pestilence;in Plague Time;a Lament In Times Of Pestilence;lord, Have Mercy On Us;a Litany In Time Of Plague;death's Summons;song Of Ver And His Train
Subject(s): Death; Mourning; Plague; Sickness; Transience; Dead, The; Bereavement; Illness; Impermanence


Adieu, 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!

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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