The toys of buffoons

(James W. Alexander, "Consolation" 1852)

Nothing can be more uncongenial with the peace of God and tranquility of soul—than the busy, hurrying, self-seeking spirit of earthly excitements; such as the slavish toil of business, the ardent fever of covetousness, the madness of ambition, and the foolery of fashionable amusements, which has at length descended to the toys of buffoons.