And finally, imagine Nature herself suddenly taking the floor and rebuking one of us:

Why, mortal, do you allow yourself to sink into such unhealthy grief? Why do you weep and sigh over death?

If the life you have lived was pleasant, and all its blessings have not been wasted, as though they had poured through a leaking vessel, then why do you not withdraw from the banquet of life like a satisfied guest, and choose, foolish one, a peaceful rest free from all cares?

But if everything you have gained has scattered and vanished, and life itself has become a burden to you, why do you seek to add more to it, only for those things, too, to disappear and all to fade away without joy?

Would it not be better to bring an end to life and its sufferings?

For I can devise and invent nothing more that might bring you pleasure. All things remain as they have always been, and will continue to remain the same.

Even if your body has not yet withered with age and your limbs have not yet grown weak, even if you live long enough to outlast every generation, even if you were never to die.

What answer can we give, if not that Nature judges us justly and that the accusation she brings against us is true?

And if an old man, burdened with many years, complains more than he ought and laments that he must die, would Nature not be justified in raising her voice and rebuking him even more harshly?

Wipe away your tears, unworthy one, and cease your complaints.

Now you are fading, after having first tasted all the gifts of life.

But because you have always desired what you did not possess and despised what you already had, your life has passed incomplete and ungrateful.

And suddenly death stands beside your bed, yet you do not have the strength to withdraw, satisfied and content with all things.

Now, however, leave behind all these things which no longer befit your age, and go, with a peaceful heart, make room for those who come after you.