William Somerset Maugham. Beggar (№ 61396)

The time is so fleeting, the time it takes forever - that is the most precious human asset, and throw it to the wind is the most sophisticated form of waste. Cleopatra dissolved in wine a priceless pearl... but gave it to Antony to drink. To spend same vain short gold watch his life - so splash out on the earth the wine with a dissolved pearl. The gesture is great, but like all great gestures, meaningless. And this, of course, justify it.