The flash and outbreak of a fiery mind,

A savageness in unreclaimed blood.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Hamlet. Act ii. Sc. 1.

Oh why should the spirit of mortal be proud?

Like a fast-flitting meteor, a fast-flying cloud,

A flash of the lightning, a break of the wave,

He passes from life to his rest in the grave.

William Knox (1789-1825): Mortality.