HERE BEGINNETH A LITTLE TREATISE SHORTLY COMPILED AND CALLED ARS MORIENDI : THAT IS TO SAY, THE CRAFT FOR TO DIE FOR THE HEALTH OF MAN'S SOUL
When any of likelihood[1] shall die, then it is most necessary to have a special friend, the which will heartily help and pray for him, and therewith counsel the sick for the weal of his soul; and moreover to see that all others so do about him, or else quickly for to make them depart.
Then is to be remembered the great benefits of God done for him unto that time, and specially of the passion of our Lord; and then is to be read some story of saints or the vii psalms with the litany or our Lady's psalter, in part or whole, with other. And ever the image of the crucifix is to be had in his sight, with other. And holy water is oftimes to be cast upon and about him for avoiding of evil spirits, the which then be full ready to take their advantage of the soul if they may.
And then and ever make him cry for mercy and grace, and for the help of our Blessed Lady and of
- ↑ i.e. is likely to.
