11. Let, then, grief be patient, let there be that
moderation in adversity which is required in prosperity. If it be
not seemly to rejoice immoderately, is it seemly so to mourn? For
want of moderation in grief or fear of death is no small evil.
How many has it driven to the halter, in how many hands has it placed
the sword, that they might by that very means demonstrate their madness
in not enduring death, and yet seeking it; in adopting that as a remedy
which they flee from as an evil. And because they were unable to
endure and to suffer what is in agreement with their nature, they fall
into that which is contrary to their desire, being separated for ever
from those whom they desired to follow. But this is not common,
since nature herself restrains although madness drives men on.