WILL SUM. This same Harry Baker[127] is such a necessary fellow to go on errands as you shall not find in a country. It is pity but he should have another silver arrow, if it be but for crossing the stage with his cap on. SUM. To weary out the time, until they come, Sing me some doleful ditty to the lute, That may complain my near-approaching death. _The Song. 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! Beauty is but a flower, Which wrinkles will devour: Brightness falls from the air; Queens have died young and fair. Dust hath clos'd Helen's eye. I am sick, I must die. Lord, have mercy on us! Strength stoops into the grave: Worms feed on Hector brave. Swords may not fight with fate: Earth still holds ope her gate. Come, come, the hells 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 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_! SUM. Beshrew me, but thy song hath moved me. WILL SUM. "Lord, have mercy on us," how lamentable 'tis! _Enter_ VERTUMNUS, _with_ CHRISTMAS _and_ BACKWINTER. VER. I have despatched, my lord; I have brought you them you sent me for. WILL SUM. What say'st thou? hast thou made a good batch? I pray thee, give me a new loaf![128] SUM. Christmas, how chance thou com'st not as the rest, Accompanied with some music or some song? A merry carol would have grac'd thee well: Thy ancestors have us'd it heretofore. CHRIST. Ay, antiquity was the mother of ignorance: this latter world, that sees but with her spectacles, hath spied a pad in those sports more than they could. SUM. What, is't against thy conscience for to sing? CHRIST. No, not to say, by my troth, if I may get a good bargain. SUM. Why, thou should'st spend, thou should'st not care to get: Christmas is god of hospitality. CHRIST. So will he never be of good husbandry. I may say to you, there is many an old god that is now grown out of fashion; so is the god of hospitality. SUM. What reason canst thou give he should be left?