Tho’ the considering mortality on the gloomy side, is not productive
of much happiness, yet there are certain dispositions which feel
some gratification in it—Quarles was one of these. He seizes all
opportunities of abusing the world; and it must be confessed he has
here done it in “choice and elegant terms.”
Sometimes he is more outrageous in his abuse.
Let wit, and all her studied plots effect
The best they can;
Let smiling fortune prosper and perfect
What wit began;
Let earth advise with both, and so project
A happy man;
Let wit or fawning fortune vie their best;
He may be blest
With all that earth can give; but earth
Can give no rest.