I have of late – but wherefore I know not – lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises; and indeed, it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory; this most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave o’erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours.
– William Shakespeare
Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2. Hamlet to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern on the depression that has afflicted him since the death of his father. The glorious earth, excellent air, beautiful sky, golden sun, are not what they appear to be. To him they they are foul diseased vapors – a reference to the corruption and rotting morality in Denmark.