In charity over the life that is ended.

I shouldn’t at all mind accepting my verdict

At the hands of this excellent parish priest.

Ah well, I dare say I have some time left

Ere the gravedigger comes to invite me to stay with him;—

And as Scripture has it: What’s best is best,—

And: Enough for the day is the evil thereof,—[[117]]

And further: Discount not thy funeral.—

Ah, the Church, after all, is the true consoler.

I’ve hitherto scarcely appreciated it;—