almost witchcraft

the body is too solid and must fade

into vague emptiness and be forgot

this is the sum and substance of our trade

 

a fatal message is not long delayed

although each one must note the deadly blot

the body is too solid and must fade

 

before the trumpet calls to church parade

and listen to the padre's fading rot

this is the sum and substance of our trade

 

since in these shallow streams all folk can wade

crossing to stranger pastures at a trot

the body is too solid and must fade

 

though no wise man from his set course was swayed

we know that something was bound in the knot

this is the sum and substance of our trade

 

to come too late after the last night raid

misunderstanding signals from a sot

the body is too solid and must fade

this is the sum and substance of our trade