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A Litany in Time of Plague Adieu, farewell, earth’s bliss; This world uncertain is; Fond are life’s lustful joys; Death proves them all but toys; None from his darts can fly; I am sick, I must die. Lord, have mercy on us! Rich men, trust not in wealth, Gold cannot buy you health; Physic himself must fade. All things to end are made, The plague full swift goes by; I am sick, I must die. Lord, have mercy on us! Beauty is but a flower Which wrinkles will devour; Brightness falls from the air; Queens have died young and fair; Dust hath closed Helen’s eye. I am sick, I must die. Lord, have mercy on us! Strength stoops unto the grave, Worms feed on Hector brave; Swords may not fight with fate, Earth still holds open her gate. “Come, come!” the bells do cry. I am sick, I must die. Lord, have mercy on us! Wit with his wantonness Tasteth death’s bitterness; Hell’s executioner Hath no ears for to hear What vain art can reply. I am sick, I must die. Lord, have mercy on us! Haste, therefore, each degree, To welcome destiny; Heaven is our heritage, Earth but a player’s stage; Mount we unto the sky. I am sick, I must die. Lord, have mercy on us! —Thomas Nashe (1567-1601)

Health officer: Ala. has probable swine flu cases

Associated Press - April 29, 2009 8:34 PM ET

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - State Health Officer Don Williamson says two probable cases of swine flu have been reported in students at a Madison County elementary school.

Williamson said Wednesday night the cases were reported in two students at Heritage Elementary School in Madison County. Williamson said there was no indication that the children had traveled recently to Mexico.

Williamson said other children at the school were also showing symptoms of respiratory illness and said health officials were recommending that the school be closed for at least seven days.

Earlier Wednesday, Williamson said the first eight samples tested by the Alabama Department of Public Health were not positive for swine flu.

Samples that are suspected to be swine flu are being sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for final confirmation.