Hick's Farewell

my brother preachers, fare you well,

your fellowship i love;

in time no more i shall see you

but soon we'll meet above.

my little children near my heart,

and nature seems to bind,

it grieves me sorely to depart,

and leave you all behind.

my loving wife, don't grieve for me,

neither lament nor mourn;

for i shall with my jesus be,

when you are left alone.

my loving wife, my bosom friend,

the object of my love,

the time's been sweet i've spent with you,

you sweet and harmless dove.

the time is swiftly rolling on

when i must faint and die;

my body to the dust return,

and there forgotten lie.

let persecution rage around,

let antichrist appear;

my silent dust beneath the ground;

there's no disturbance here.