In Time of Pestilence, by Thomas Nashe (1592-1600)

[lb_lee]

I have on my wall a poem, which I found among some ridiculously fancy graphic design/typography/fancy paper samples in a free box. My copy titles it "In Time of Pestilence," but it more commonly known as "A Litany in Time of Plague," part of a larger play by Thomas Nashe called Summer's Last Will and Testament. Although not officially accepted in print until 1600, it may have been written and performed in 1592, when an outbreak of bubonic plague had ravaged England, closing the theaters. In 2021, folks band Bird in the Belly adapted it into the song Litany.

In these pestilential times, it comforts me to read the words of those who experienced it in times past. So here it is for you.

A Litany in Time of Plague
By Thomas Nashe (in 1592?)

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 open her gate.
"Come, come!" the bells do cry.
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Wit with his wantonness
Tasteth death's bitterness;
Hell's executioner
Hath no ears for to hear
What vain art can reply.
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Haste, therefore, each degree,
To welcome destiny;
Heaven is our heritage,
Earth but a player's stage;
Mount we unto the sky.
I am sick, I must die.
Lord, have mercy on us!

Comments

[buttonsbeadslace]

Ooooh I bet I could find a tune that would be the right meter to use this as lyrics...

[lb_lee]

Bird in the Belly did songify it into Litany!

I admit, I always read the poem in my head as more operatic and Jim Steinman myself. (Especially since the fancy typography version of the poem I have has every "Lord, have mercy on us!" in this super Gothic bold typeface that differs from the rest of the verses, as though it's being screamed.)

[buttonsbeadslace]

I wanted there to be a very old hymn tune that this could fit to, so that it would have the vibe of something they'd actually sing in 1600, but the only tune in "sixes" in the book I have is (a) boring (b) still not quite the right meter.

[lb_lee]

Hmmm. It was originally for a play, though who knows if the original music it was sung to is recorded in any form... would love to hear it in another musical arrangement, for sure!