Inglis Collection of printed music > Printed text > Introduction to the skill of musick, in three books

On the DEATH of
Mr- JOHN PLAYFORD,
THE
Autliof of Thefe, and fever al other
excellent WORKS.
WE muff fubmit, in vain with anxious Strife
Vfc labour to iupport this load of Life ;
No Prayers nor Penitence, no Tears prevail
With the Grim Tyrant of this mournful Vale.
Like Slaves in Amphitheatres of old,
Each others ghaftly Ruin we behold.
And the Proud Sovereign, whom in the Morn
Imperial Crowns and Purple Robes adorn, .
Drops from his glitt'ring Throne je're mid of Day
Himfelf become the greedy Monfter'sPrey.
To the dark Shades (o many ways we fly,
*Tis more a Miracle to be Bom^ than Dye.
And fincc our Courle is by the Fates decreed t
He Runs it beft who runs with fwifteft ipeed.
Breathlefi and tir'd, the Wretch who lags behind,
Spurs on a jaded Life that's Lame and Blind:
And what avails one lad and painful Hour,
10m peach's initiate Jaws the next devour.
So-