Letter 30 — On Conquering the Conqueror (§12)

“Moreover, if it falls to the lot of any man to be set gently adrift by old age,—not suddenly torn from life, but withdrawn bit by bit,—oh, verily he should thank the gods, one and all, because, after he has had his fill, he is removed to a rest which is ordained for mankind, a rest that is welcome to the weary. You may observe certain men who crave death even more earnestly than others are wont to beg for life.”