Budding for me in bread and beer and beef.

O Life, dost thou bring Death or Death bring thee?

Which of the twain is bringer, which the brought?

Since men must die that other men may live.

O Death, for me thou plump'st thine hollow cheeks,

Mak'st of thine antic grin a pleasant smile,

And prank'st full gaily in thy winding sheet.

Yet am I but the henwife's favourite chick,

Pampered but doomed; and, in the sequel sure,

Death will the Undertaker overtake."