Matthew Prior - A Reasonable Affliction

On his death-bed poor Lubin lies:
His spouse is in despair:
With frequent sobs, and mutual cries,
They both express their care.

A different cause, says Parson Sly,
The same effect may give:
Poor Lubin fears that he may die;
His wife, that he may live.

Matthew Prior

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-reasonable-affliction/