12.
There he is, praying for that which, if it had befallen him, would be the most pitiable thing in the world!
And seeking a postponement of suffering, as if he were asking for life!
I should deem him most despicable had he wished to live up to the very time of crucifixion: “Nay,” he cries, “you may weaken my body if you will only leave the breath of life in my battered and ineffective carcase!
Maim me if you will, but allow me, misshapen and deformed as I may be, just a little more time in the world!
You may nail me up and set my seat upon the piercing cross!” Is it worth while to weigh down upon one’s own wound, and hang impaled upon a gibbet, that one may but postpone something which is the balm of troubles, the end of punishment?
Is it worth all this to possess the breath of life only to give it up?
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the futility of planning ahead
Location: Chapter 101, Section 12
Content:
12.
There he is, praying for that which, if it had befallen him, would be the most pitiable thing in the world!
And seeking a postponement of suffering, as if he were asking for life!
I should deem him most despicable had he wished to live up to the very time of crucifixion: “Nay,” he cries, “you may weaken my body if you will only leave the breath of life in my battered and ineffective carcase!
Maim me if you will, but allow me, misshapen and deformed as I may be, just a little more time in the world!
You may nail me up and set my seat upon the piercing cross!” Is it worth while to weigh down upon one’s own wound, and hang impaled upon a gibbet, that one may but postpone something which is the balm of troubles, the end of punishment?
Is it worth all this to possess the breath of life only to give it up?