89
Nature is admirable and, as Xenophon says, avaricious of life. Hence we love and tend the body, which is of all things the most unpleasant and squalid. For if we were obliged, for only five days, to take care of our neighbor’s body, we would not endure it. For only consider what it would be, when we rise in the morning, to clean the teeth of others, and do all requisite offices besides. In reality, it is wonderful that we should love a thing which every day demands so much attendance. I stuff this sack, and then I empty it again. What is more troublesome? But I must obey God. Therefore I remain, and endure to wash and feed and clothe this poor body. When I was younger, he demanded of me still more, and I bore it. And when Nature, which gave the body, takes it away, will you not bear that? I love it, say you. This is what I have just been observing; and this very love has Nature given you, but she also says, Now let it go, and have no further trouble.
90
When a young man dies, some one blames the gods that, at the time when he himself ought to be at rest, he is still encumbered with the troubles of life. Yet when death approaches he wishes to live, and sends for the physician, and entreats him to omit no care or pains. It is marvellous that men should not be willing either to live or die.
91
To a longer and worse life, a shorter and better is by all means to be preferred by every one.
92
When we are children, our parents deliver us to the care of a tutor, who is continually to watch over us that we get no hurt. When we are become men, God delivers us to the guardianship of an implanted conscience. We ought by no means, then, to despise this guardian; for it will both displease God, and we shall be enemies to our own conscience.
93
Riches ought to be used as the means to some end, and not lavished on every occasion.
