The ghost of life: This world uncertain is

Thomas Nashe was a contemporary of Shakespeare; like Shakespeare, he was a poet and a playwright. Additionally, he wrote pamphlets, satires and defenses of the Church of England.

While technically, the Elizabethan era did not feature a pandemic, it was certainly beset by pestilences—typhoid, smallpox, cholera and probably even little outbreaks of bubonic plague. It’s said that Elizabeth herself took to heavy makeup to cover the scars of pox.

In 1592, Nashe wrote a play called Summer’s Last Will and Testament, in which the season flails about for a bit and then turns over the reins of time to its successor, Autumn. Today’s poem for National Poetry Month, “A Litany in Time of Plague”, comes from this play.

The form of prayer called the litany is a series of petitions, usually with a repeated response. Nashe’s poem takes that form. Summer starts out strong and rather stroppy. By the end, though…

“A Litany in Time of Plague”

Adieu, farewell earth’s bliss,

This world uncertain is;

Fond are life’s lustful joys,

Death proves them all but toys,

None from his darts can fly.

I am sick, I must die.

Lord, have mercy on us!

Rich men, trust not in wealth,

Gold cannot buy you health;

Physic himself must fade,

All things to end are made.

The plague full swift goes by;

I am sick, I must die.

Lord, have mercy on us!

Beauty is but a flower

Which wrinkles will devour;

Brightness falls from the air,

Queens have died young and fair,

Dust hath closed Helen’s eye.

I am sick, I must die.

Lord, have mercy on us!

Strength stoops unto the grave,

Worms feed on Hector brave,

Swords may not fight with fate.

Earth still holds ope her gate;

Come! come! the bells do cry.

I am sick, I must die.

Lord have mercy on us!