A tertian or quartan fever was then prevalent in the Netherlands and in England, which was very fatal, especially to elderly persons of enfeebled health.
"A History of England Principally in the Seventeenth Century, Volume I (of 6)"
Leopold von Ranke
Such as he is who has so near the ague Of quartan that his nails are blue already, And trembles all, but looking at the shade; Even such became I at those proffered words; But shame in me his menaces produced, Which maketh servant strong before good master.
"Divine-Comedy-Longfellow-s-Translation-Complete"
Dante Alighieri
The next patient to be considered, laboured under a quartan ague, and, being then in his interval of health, discovered no other symptoms of distemper than a pale meagre countenance and emaciated body; upon which he was declared fit for duty, and turned over to the boatswain; but, being resolved to disgrace the doctor, died upon the forecastle next day, during his cold fit.
"The Adventures of Roderick Random"
Tobias Smollett