Like as the damask rose you see

Like as the damask rose you see,

Or like the flower on the tree,

Or like the dainty flower in May,

Or like the morning of the day,

Or like the sun, or like the shade,

Or like the gourd that Jonas had;

E'en such is man, whose thread is spun,

Drawn out and cut, and so is done.

If none can scape Death's dreadful dart,

If rich and poor his beck obey,

If wise, if strong, if all do smart,

Then I to scape shall have no way.

O grant me grace, O God, that I,

My life may mend since I must die..