Samuel Johnson on Life
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βReflect that life, like every other blessing, Derives its value from its use alone.β
βThe drama's laws the drama's patrons give. For we that live to please must please to live.β
βCatch, then, oh! catch the transient hour, Improve each moment as it flies; Life's a short summerβman a flower; He diesβalas! how soon he dies!β
β"Enlarge my life with multitude of days!" In health, in sickness, thus the suppliant prays: Hides from himself its state, and shuns to know, That life protracted is protracted woe.β
βIn life's last scene what prodigies surprise, Fears of the brave, and follies of the wise! From Marlborough's eyes the streams of dotage flow, And Swift expires a driveller and a show.β