With iron hand alike doth grip.
Thus stealthy Death will oft appear,
When no one deems that he is near,
With deadly aim to shoot his dart.
So live in God, his laws observe,
That mayst in peace depart.
[The King sinks down lifeless, and Death disappears. The soldiers raise up the dead body and lay it on a bier, singing—
Soldiers. Why value crown or power,
Since neither can we own
But for a passing hour?