A Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert Herrick

236. MEN MIND NO STATE IN SICKNESS

     That flow of gallants which approach
     To kiss thy hand from out the coach;
     That fleet of lackeys which do run
     Before thy swift postilion;
     Those strong-hoof'd mules, which we behold
     Rein'd in with purple, pearl, and gold,
     And shed with silver, prove to be
     The drawers of the axle-tree;
     Thy wife, thy children, and the state
     Of Persian looms and antique plate:
     —All these, and more, shall then afford
     No joy to thee, their sickly lord.