And sometimes, for variety, I confer
With kings and emperors, and weigh their counsels;
Calling their victories, if unjustly got,
Unto a strict account, and, in my fancy,
Deface their ill-placed statues. Can I then
Part with such constant pleasures to embrace
Uncertain vanities? No; be it your care
T’augment your heap of wealth; it shall be mine
T’increase in knowledge.
—Beaumont & Fletcher.