Your grave is dug ready, your coffin bespoke.

The worms in your body will live at their ease;—

But I have orders, without delay,

On Master’s behalf to fetch in your soul.

Peer.

It can’t be! Like this, without any warning——!

The Button-moulder.

It’s an old tradition at burials and births

To appoint in secret the day of the feast,

With no warning at all to the guest of honour.