Brief as the lightning in the collied[[102]] night,
That, in a spleen,[[103]] unfolds both heaven and earth,
And ere a man hath power to say, Behold!
The jaws of darkness do devour it up:
So quick bright things come to confusion.
[98] Small sword.
[99] Burdens.
[100] Cloud.
[101] Encompassed.
[102] Black.
[103] Caprice, whim.
FRANCIS BACON.
OF DEATH.
[From the Essays.]