In whatsoever state I be
Timor mortis conturbat me.

As I me walked one morning,
I heard a bird both weep and sing.
This was the tenour of his talking,
" Timor mortis conturbat me. "

I asked this bird then what he meant.
He said " I am a musket gent;
For dread of death I am nigh shent;
" Timor mortis conturbat me. "

Jesus Christ, when He should die,
To His Father loud gan He cry:
" Father, " He said, " in Trinity,
" Timor mortis conturbat me. "

When I shall die I know no day,
Therefore this songe sing I may;
In what place or country can I not say. —
" Timor mortis conturbat me. "