40. I confess, then, that being raised by these so
great and excellent benefits to a kind of mental ecstasy, I had ceased
to fear that I might be the survivor, because I thought him more worthy
to live, and therefore received the blow which I am unable to endure,
for the wounds of such pain are more easily borne when dwelt upon
beforehand than when unexpected. Who will now console me full of
sorrows? Who will raise up him that is smitten down? With
whom shall I share my cares? Who will set me free from the
business of this world? For thou wast the manager of our affairs,
the censor of the servants, the decider between brother and sister, the
decider not in matters of strife but of affection.