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. ²¹

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 Everlasting. But for all your hast, your Head will be laid in a short time , and then he that is your chief Mourner, will quickly want another for himself.