The Old Woman

Death is better than a bitter Life or continual Sickness.

Ecclesiasticus xxx. 17.

Long has my Life most irksome been,
Oppress’d with Care and Pain;
No anxious Wish my Bosom fires
Here longer to remain.

My certain Judgment does pronounce,
Better to die than live;
For Death to Minds worn out with Care
Glad Peace and Rest will give.