Sonnet of the Instruments of Death + 

Adorned daggers, ruby-hilted swords; + 

Huge mortal serpents in gold volumes roll’d; + 

All-holy poisons in wrought cups of gold; + 

Unfailing crucifixes of strong cords; + 

Mortal baptismal waters without fords, + 

Wherein lie death’s communicants untold⁠— + 

Which of these instruments blessed and old, + 

Is meetest for life’s purple-robed lords? + 

Ye that commune in death’s ciborium, + 

Of all the vessels in his sacristy + 

Which will ye choose to make of you a clod⁠— + 

Sharp swords, bright lightnings, orient opium?⁠— + 

All these, brave souls, are of one sanctity; + 

All ways are good whereby ye pass to God. + 