I

All human things decay,

For all is vanity,

The silver and the gold;

The glory of the great,

The wealth of high estate,

None can for ever hold.

II

Death with his icy hand,

Severs each earthly band,

And bears us all away;

Vain are our earthly dreams,

Shadows our substance seems,

And nothing lasts for aye.

III

Immortal Christ, we cry,

O let our prayers come nigh

Thy throne of heavenly grace;

Rest him whose form we miss,

Grant him in endless bliss

A lasting dwelling place.