Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/379

 Rh are call'd, don't violate the Constitution; nor break in upon the Laws, therefore they don't Damage the Corporation ; nor by consequence any Member in it.

XXXIV. He that's well Tinctur'd with Philosophy needs but a short Receipt : A common Cordial will keep up such a Man's Spirits, and expel the Cold from his Heart, A Verse or two out of Homer will serve for a Hint, and doe his business. Let the Poet speak.

"Men are like Leaves in Verdure and Decay, As Spring supplyes what Autumn blows away, so Mortals fade, and flourish in their Turns."

You see how slenderly Humane Felicity is put together, your Children are but Leaves upon the Matter, a little blast may take them from you. The freshest Lawrels wither apace, and the Ecchoes of Fame are soon silenced; And which has some Comfort, so is Censure and Reproach too. All these Matters like Leaves have their Spring for Growing, then a puff of Wind sends them packing, and quickly after the Wood is new furnish'd again. Things are strangly short-liv'd; And yet your Appetites, and Fears Grasp, and Scamper at that rate, as if all was Rh