This quote by George Farquhar is a plea for mercy. He is asking someone to spare all that he has and take his life instead. This could be interpreted as a plea for forgiveness, or a plea for somebody to spare him from a difficult situation. It might also be interpreted as a plea for somebody to take his life rather of eliminating all that he has. This might be a plea for somebody to spare him from a difficult situation, or a plea for someone to take his life rather of taking away all that he has. It could likewise be translated as a plea for someone to take his life instead of taking away all that he has worked for. This quote could be translated as a plea for mercy, a plea for forgiveness, or a plea for someone to take his life instead of taking away all that he has. Whatever the analysis, it is clear that George Farquhar is requesting for mercy and an escape of a tight spot.
"Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage"