O reverend death! whose looks can soon advise Even scornful youth, whilst priests their doctrine waste; Yet mocks us too; for he does make us wise, 35 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 short dark passage to eternal light. _Sir William Davenant._ CXXVII _MORTIFICATION._ How soon doth man decay! When clothes are taken from a chest of sweets To swaddle infants, whose young breath Scarce knows the way; Those clouts are little winding-sheets, 5 Which do consign and send them unto death. When boys go first to bed, They step into their voluntary graves; Sleep binds them fast; only their breath Makes them not dead. 10 Successive nights, like rolling waves, Convey them quickly, who are bound for death. When youth is frank and free, And calls for music, while his veins do swell, All day exchanging mirth and breath 15 In company; That music summons to the knell, Which shall befriend him at the house of death. When man grows staid and wise, Getting a house and home, where he may move 20 Within the circle of his breath, Schooling his eyes; That dumb inclosure maketh love Unto the coffin, that attends his death. When age grows low and weak, 25 Marking his grave, and thawing every year, Till all do melt, and drown his breath, When he would speak; A chair or litter shows the bier Which shall convey him to the house of death. 30 Man, ere he is aware, Hath put together a solemnity, And dressed his hearse, while he has breath As yet to spare. Yet, Lord, instruct us so to die, 35 That all these dyings may be life in death. _George Herbert._ CXXVIII _THE RETREAT._