Orphic Hymn 87

To Death

THE FUMIGATION FROM MANNA. Hear me O Death, whose empire unconfin’d Extends to mortal tribes of ev’ry kind. On thee the portion of our time depends, Whose absence lengthens life, whose presence ends. Thy sleep perpetual bursts the vivid folds By which the soul attracting body holds: Common to all, of ev’ry sex and age, For nought escapes thy all-destructive rage. Not youth itself thy clemency can gain, Vig’rous and strong, by thee untimely slain. In thee the end of nature’s works is known, In thee all judgment is absolv’d alone. No suppliant arts thy dreadful rage control, No vows revoke the purpose of thy soul. O blessed pow’r, regard my ardent pray’r, And human life to age abundant spare.