And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,

Against the use of nature. Present fears

Are less than horrible imaginings.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Macbeth. Act i. Sc. 3.

My mind to me a kingdom is;

Such present joys therein I find,

That it excels all other bliss

That earth affords or grows by kind:

Though much I want which most would have,

Yet still my mind forbids to crave.

Edward Dyer (Circa 1540-1607): MS. Rawl. 85, p. 17.

Past and to come seems best; things present worst.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Henry IV. Part II. Act i. Sc. 3.