Recognizing the diligence with which death approaches, and trying to recognize also the desirability of her arrival, and to take advantage of such recognition
Formidable and frightfully resounds
within my heart the day when all will end;
and now the last hour, black, and cold, and drear
approaches, full of shadows and of fear.
If pleasant rest, serene tranquility
death offers me, dressed up to look like grief
her scorn to me resembles courtesy:
there's more caress in her than penalty.
What point is there so foolishly to dread
the one who to redeem with mercy comes
a spirit that in misery lies chained?
I beg she come, my welfare she insures;
thankful may she find me, not afraid;
she'll end my life, my living she'll arrange.
Translated by Alix Ingber
(1648)
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