The Merchant

    der Tod
Denk an den Banquerot, den Adam längst gemacht,
Der setzet dich in Schuld und hat mich hergebracht:(1)
Zahl aus und liefre mir den Antheil meiner Waare,
So viel ich fassen kann auf einer Leichenbaare.

    Death
Think of the bankruptcy, which Adam made long ago.
It puts you in debt and has brought me here.(1)
Pay out and deliver to me the share of my goods:
As much as I can hold on a bier.

    der Kaufmann
Der letzte Mahner kommt mir trotzig angerennt,
Doch bin ich nicht fallit, hier ist mein Testament:
Den Geist vermach ich Gott, das Gut den rechten Erben,
Dem Satan meine Schuld, den Leib dem Tod im Sterben.

    The Merchant
The last admonisher comes running at me defiantly.
Nonetheless I am not broke, here is my last will:
I leave my spirit to God, my property to the rightful heirs,
my debts to Satan, in dying: my body to Death.

    XXXVIII. Death to the Tradesman.
Think on Adam's bankruptcy,
Which brought you all in debt to me,(1)
I'm come for my demand to you;
Then pay me instantly my due

    XXXIX. The Tradesman's answer.
Creditor-like with haughty air,
And high demands, you at me stare;
But I'm prepar'd, my will is made,
My soul I leave to God, who said,
He'd ne'er desert a sinner, when
He cry'd for mercy to him ; then
My goods I give to my relations,
According to their different stations ;
Satan on all my sins may seize,
You on my body, if you please.