As I walked forth one day, one day
I met an old man by the way
His head was bald, his beard was grey
His coat was of a myrtle shade
I said old man: “What man are you,
What country do you belong to?”
“My name is Death instead of me.
All kings and princess’ bow down to me”
"My name is Death, cannot you see?
Lords, dukes, and ladies bow down to me
And you are one of those branches three
And you fair maid must come with me”
"I'll give you gold and jewels rare
I'll give you costly robes to wear
I'll give you all my wealth in store
If you'll let me live a few years more"
"Fair lady, lay your robes aside
No longer glory in your pride
And now, sweet maid, make no delay
Your time is come and you must away"
And not long after this fair maid died
"Write on my tomb," the lady cried,
"Here lies a poor distressed maid
Whom Death now lately hath betrayed"