Death.

HOw weak a Star doth rule Mankind,
Which owes its ruine to the same
Causes which Nature had design'd
To cherish and preserve the frame!

As Commonwealths may be secure,
And no remote Invasion dread;
Yet may a sadder fall endure
From Traitors in their bosom bred:

So while we feel no violence,
And on our active Health do trust,
A secret hand doth snatch us hence,
And tumbles us into the dust.

Yet carelesly we run our race,
As if we could Death's summons wave;
And think not on the narrow space
Between a Table and a Grave.

But since we cannot Death reprieve,
Our Souls and Fame we ought to mind,
For they our Bodies will survive;
That goes beyond, this stayes behind.

If I be sure my Soul is safe,
And that my Actions will provide
My Tomb a nobler Epitaph,
Then that I onely liv'd and dy'd,

So that in various accidents
I Conscience may and Honour keep;
I with that ease and innocence
Shall die, as Infants go to sleep.