That which men possessed was ever of less value than that which they hoped.

In this fine strain of eloquent commonplace the falling minister had already begun to moralize upon the vanity of human wishes.
When he was established at his charming retreat in Burgundy, he had full leisure to pursue the theme.

He remained in retirement till his beard grew to his waist, having vowed, according to report, that he would not shave till recalled to the Netherlands.

If the report were true, said some of the gentlemen in the provinces, it would be likely to grow to his feet.

He professed to wish himself blind and deaf that he might have no knowledge of the world's events, described himself as buried in literature, and fit for no business save to remain in his chamber, fastened to his books, or occupied with private affairs and religious exercises.