All the four Monarchies, with all their thousands of years, and all the powerful Kings and all the beautiful Queens ofthis world, were but as a bed of flowers, some gathered at six, some at seven, some at eight, all in one morning, in respect to this day.

-Donne,John
  On eternity. Sermon, 30  Apr.

Beauty is but a flower Which wrinkles will devour; Brightness falls from the air; Queens have died young and fair; Dust hath close'  d Helen's eye. I am sick, I must die. Lord, have mercy on us!

-Nashe,Thomas
  'A Litany in Time of Plague'.