Since I was quoting from both the 16th and 19th centuries yesterday, I thought I'd fill in the gap slightly with something from the 17th...
- I am sure there was no man born marked of God above another; for none comes into the world with a saddle on his back, neither any booted and spurred to ride him...
Richard Rumbold, 1685
The quote comes from Richard Rumbold, as he stood on the gallows awaiting execution after the failed Monmouth Rebellion
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monmouth_Rebellion
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Rumbold