Classic Poem

When , rack'd with agonising pains,
I feel my death approaching near;
The world, and all that it contains,
Will like a fading dream appear;

Then will those earthly vanities,
That have my lifelong pursuit been.
Revers'd before my closing eyes,
In their true emptiness be seen.

Then poor will seem and worthless all
The prayers that now content me well;
Then sins, esteem'd before as small,
Will into mighty mountains swell.

“Ah, wretch!” I then shall trembling say,
“And was it for such idle toys,
Thou wert content to toss away
Thy birthright of eternal joys?

O, had I but, while time was mine,
A stricter path of duty trod,
I should not now so much repine,
Nor fear so much to meet my God.”