Poem by William Davenant

Life and Death

Frail Life! in which, through mists of human breath
We grope for truth, and make our progress slow,
Because by passion blinded; till by death
Our passions ending, we begin to know.

O reverend Death! whose looks can soon advise
E'en scornful youth, which priests their doctrine waste;
Yet mock us too; for he does make us wise,
When by his coming our affairs are past.

O harmless Death! whom still the valiant brave,
The wise expect, the sorrowful invite,
And all the good embrace, who know the grave
A shut dark passage to eternal light.

1. For the Lady Olivia Porter; a Present upon a New-years Day
2. The Christians Reply to the Phylosopher
3. Weep No More for What Is Past
4. Ladies in Arms
5. Praise and Prayer

Ella Wilcox Life and Death ("Three days agone, and she was here") 1872

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