Two views of the best possible way of life - or two delusions?

Subtleman: And how do you intend to live?
Teague: By eating, dear joy, when I can get it; and by sleeping when I can get none:
'tish the fashion of Ireland.

The Twin-Rivals, George Farquhar 1677-1707.

For the great Gaels of Ireland
Are the men that God made man
For all their wars are merry
And all their songs are sad.

Ballad of the White Horse, G K Chesterton 1874-1936.

From the Appletree Press title: A Little Book of Irish Quotations.
Also from Appletree: Famous Irish Lives, Famous Irish Writers and the A Little Book of Irish Sayings.