"When love grows diseased, the best thing we can do is to put it to a violent death; I cannot endure the torture of a lingering and consumptive passion"

This quote by George Etherege talks to the concept that when love has actually become unhealthy, it is best to end it quickly and decisively. He suggests that it is much better to put it to a violent death than to suffer through a slow and agonizing end. This is likely a metaphor for the concept that it is much better to end a relationship rapidly and cleanly, rather than to drag it out and let it gradually die. Etherege is recommending that it is much better to end a relationship quickly and decisively, instead of to suffer through a sluggish and painful end. He is emphasizing the importance of taking action and not enabling a relationship to linger in a state of disrepair. He is likewise suggesting that it is much better to end a relationship rapidly and easily, rather than to drag it out and let it gradually die. By doing so, he is highlighting the significance of doing something about it and not allowing a relationship to remain in a state of disrepair.