The Consolation of Philosophy

Why should we strive to die so many ways,

And slay ourselves with our own hands?

If we seek death, she ready stands,

She willing comes, her chariot never stays.

Those against whom the wild beasts arméd be,

Against themselves with weapons rage.¹

Do they such wars unjustly wage,

Because their lives and manners disagree,

And so themselves with mutual weapons kill?

Alas, but this revenge is small.

Wouldst thou give due desert to all?

Love then the good, and pity thou the ill."