Hope went by and Peace went by 
And would not enter in; 
Youth went by and Health wnt by 
And Love that is their kin.

Those within the house shed tears 
On their bitter bread; 
Some were old and some were mad, 
And some were sick a-bed.

Gray Death saw the wretched house 
And even he passed by-- 
"They have never lived," he said, 
"They can wait to die."