When I reflect with serious sense,
While years and years run on,
How soon I may be summoned hence —
There's cook a-calling John.
Our lives are built so frail and poor,
On sand and not on rocks,
We're hourly standing at Death's door —
There's some one double knocks.
All human days have settled terms,
Our fates we cannot force;
This flesh of mine will feed the worms —
They're come to lunch of course!
And when my body's turned to clay,
And dear friends hear my knell,
Oh let them give a sigh and say —
I hear the upstairs bell!