My dear fellow,' Burlingame said, 'we sit here on a blind rock careening through space; we are all of us rushing headlong to the grave. Think you the worms will care, when anon they make a meal of you, whether you spent your moment sighing wigless in your chamber, or sacked the golden towns of Montezuma? Lookee, the day's nigh spent; 'tis gone careening into time forever. Not a tale's length past we lined our bowels with dinner, and already they growl for more. We are dying men, Ebenezer: i'faith, there's time for naught but bold resolves!
Burlingame reflects on the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life, arguing that in the grand scheme of existence, how one spends their time may ultimately matter little. He emphasizes that all humans are on a journey towards the grave, and at the end, the worms will not distinguish between a life spent in quiet contemplation or one filled with grand adventures. This perspective urges a sense of urgency and purpose in how we choose to live.
As he notes, time passes swiftly, with moments slipping away into the past. The urgency of life is highlighted by the triviality of daily needs, such as hunger, which reflect a deeper truth about our mortality. Burlingame’s call to action encourages embracing bold intentions, suggesting that we should seize the day and pursue our passions with vigor, recognizing the limited time we have.
