Ultima, = the last things in reference to the first and middle things

Would you know what is that? take but a view of Nature, and Scripture, & these will sufficiently describe our life.

VVOuld you know what is that? take but a view of Nature, and Scripture, & these will sufficiently describe our life.

First, Nature, whose dim eye sees thus far: what is it? but a Rose, ¹saith Tifernas, which if you view in its growth, the cold nips it, heat withers it, the wind shakes it; be it never so fair it withers, be we never so lively, immediately we die and perish.

First, Nature, whose dimme eye sees thus far: what is it? but a Rose, ¹saith Tifernas, which if you view in its growth, the cold nips it, heat withers it, the wind shakes it; be it never so fair it withers, be we never so lively, immediately we die and perish.

1. 1Ut rosa Paestano languet adepta jugo. Tifernas. Ut herba solstitialis, Plaut.

A Rose? that is too beautiful! Life is but grass, saith Plautus, green now, withered anon; thus like the flower that is cut in Summer; as soon as we are born, Death is ready with his Sith; as soon as we are dead, Angels gather in the harvest, on whose wings we are carried to that Barn of Heaven.¹ Grass? no saith Philemon, life is no better then a counterfeit picture: what if the colours be fair, and the resemblance near? the shadow of death,