Book II
Since nature’s works be good, and death doth serve
As nature’s work, why should we fear to die?
Since fear is vain but when it may preserve,
Why should we fear that which we cannot fly?
Fear is more pain than is the pain it fears,
Disarming human minds of native might;
While each conceit an ugly figure bears
Which were we ill, well viewed in reason’s light.
Our owly eyes, which dimmed with passions be,
And scarce discern the dawn of coming day,
Let them be cleared, and now begin to see
Our life is but a step in dusty way,
Then let us hold the bliss of peaceful mind;
Since, feeling this, great loss we cannot find.—Arcadia, p. 457.
Sir Philip Sidney.