Prince Albert†discovered the impotence of being earnest.

-Cannadine, David
  Of Queen Victoria's consort. The Pleasure of the Past.

   What is our life? a play of passion; Our mirth the music of division; Our mothers' wombs the tiring-houses be Where we are dressed for this short comedy. Heaven the judicious sharp spectator is, That sits and marks still who doth act amiss; Our graves that hide us from the searching sun Are like drawn curtains when the play is done. Thus march we, playing, to our latest rest, Only we die in earnestöthat's no jest.

-Raleigh, Sir Walter
  'On the Life of Man'.

I have yet to hear the first syllable of valuable or even earnest advice from my seniors.

-Thoreau, Henry David
  Walden, or, Life in theWoods,'Economy'.

   The eyes ofall England are onthis Parliament.If youdoin good earnest wish to see England hold the balance of Europe and to be indeed at the head of the Protestant interest, it will appear by your right improving the present opportunity.

-William III also called  William of Orange
  At the State Opening of Parliament, Dec.