Emblems of Mortality; representing, in upwards of fifty cuts, death seizing all ranks and degrees of people

The ABBESS.

Reading edition

Wherefore I praised the Dead which are already dead, more than the Living which are yet alive.

Ecclesiastes iv. 2.

Illustration from Emblems of Mortality; representing, in upwards of fifty cuts, death seizing all ranks and degrees of people

Better it is to die than live, I constantly have taught; Since human Life with anxious Care, And various Ills is fraught. Ungrateful Death me now compels The like sad Path to tread, With those whom in the silent Grave The Fates severe have laid.