RICH MAN. Oh! stay thy hand and be not so severe, I have a hopeful son and daughter dear, All that I beg is but to let me live That I may them in lawful marriage give: They being young when I am laid in the grave, I fear they will be wronged of what they have: Although of me you will no pity take, Yet spare me for my little infants’ sake. DEATH. If such a vain excuse as this might do, It would be long ere mortals would go through The shades of death; for every man would find Something to say that he might stay behind. Yet, if ten thousand arguments they’d use, The destiny of dying to excuse, They’ll find it is in vain with me to strive, For why, I part the dearest friends alive; Poor parents die, and leave their children small With nothing to support them here withal, But the kind hand of gracious Providence, Who is their father, friend, and sole defence. Though I have held you long in disrepute, Yet after all here with a sharp salute I’ll put a period to your days and years, Causing your eyes to flow with dying tears. RICH MAN. [Then with a groan he made this sad complaint]: My heart is dying, and my spirits faint; To my close chamber let me be conveyed; Farewell, false world, for thou hast me betrayed. Would I had never wronged the fatherless, Nor mourning widows when in sad distress; Would I had ne’er been guilty of that sin, Would I had never known what gold had been; For by the same my heart was drawn away To search for gold: but now this very day, I find it is but like a slender reed, Which fails me most when most I stand in need; For, woe is me! the time is come at last, Now I am on a bed of sorrow cast, Where in lamenting tears I weeping lie, Because my sins make me afraid to die: Oh! Death, be pleased to spare me yet awhile, That I to God myself may reconcile, For true repentance some small time allow; I never feared a future state till now! My bags of gold and land I’d freely give, For to obtain the favour here to live, Until I have a sure foundation laid. Let me not die before my peace be made! DEATH. Thou hast not many minutes here to stay, Lift up your heart to God without delay, Implore his pardon now for what is past, Who knows but He may save your soul at last? RICH MAN.