24.
You recall the fierce serpent in Africa, more frightful to the Roman legions than the war itself, and assailed in vain by arrows and slings; it could not be wounded even by “Pythius,” since its huge size, and the toughness which matched its bulk, made spears, or any weapon hurled by the hand of man, glance off.
It was finally destroyed by rocks equal in size to millstones.
Are you, then, hurling petty weapons like yours even against death?
Can you stop a lion’s charge by an awl?
Your arguments are indeed sharp; but there is nothing sharper than a stalk of grain.
And certain arguments are rendered useless and unavailing by their very subtlety.
Farewell.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the natural fear of death
Location: Chapter 82, Section 24
Content:
24.
You recall the fierce serpent in Africa, more frightful to the Roman legions than the war itself, and assailed in vain by arrows and slings; it could not be wounded even by “Pythius,” since its huge size, and the toughness which matched its bulk, made spears, or any weapon hurled by the hand of man, glance off.
It was finally destroyed by rocks equal in size to millstones.
Are you, then, hurling petty weapons like yours even against death?
Can you stop a lion’s charge by an awl?
Your arguments are indeed sharp; but there is nothing sharper than a stalk of grain.
And certain arguments are rendered useless and unavailing by their very subtlety.
Farewell.