Blasts his fair flower, and makes him earth at last;
So strong is man, that with a gasping breath
He totters, and bequeaths his strength to death;
So wise is man, that if with death he strive,
His wisdom cannot teach him how to live;
So rich is man, that (all his debts being paid,)
His wealth’s the winding-sheet wherein he’s laid;
So young is man, that (broke with care and sorrow,)
He’s old enough to-day to die to-morrow.
Francis Quarles.