420

Stppentnr tit ^(stortam

1 hr Hollar.

■m& i

a?-,-**'

Death fyrst speaketh unto the Pope, and afterto every Degree, as followeth.

Ye that been set most in high dignity,

Of all estates in earth spiritual,

.And like as Peter hath the soverainteeOver the church and states temporall,

Upon this daunce ye first begin shall,

As most worthy lord and governour,for all the worship of your estate Papal ],

And of Lordship to God is the honour.

The Pope maketh aunswer.

Fyrst me behoveth this daunce for to lede,Which sat in earth highest in my See,

The state full perillous who so taketh heed,

To occupie Peters dignity ;

But for all that death I may not flee,

On this daunce with other for to trace,

For which all honour who prudently can see,

Is little worth that doth so soon passe.

Death speaketh to the Emperour.

Syr Emperour, lord of all the ground,Sovereine prince and highest of noblesse,

Ye mot forsake of gold your apple round,Scepter and swerd, and all your high prowesse;Behind letten your treasour and your riches,And with other to my daunce obeyAgainst my might is worth none hardinesse,Adams children all they must deye.

The Emperour maketh aunswer.

I note to whom that I may appealTouching death which doth me so constrein.There is no gin to helyen my querellBut spade and pickoys my grave to atteyne,

A simple sheet there is no more to seyn,

To wrappen in my body and visage,Whereupon sore I me compleyne,

That great Lordes have little auvantage.