"Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is cut down, like a flower; he fleeth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one stay.
In the midst of life we are in death : of whom may we seek for succour, but of thee, O Lord, who for our sins are justly displeased?"
-from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer's office for the burial of the dead.







