fection or the other beareth the
strength in our heart, so are we stronger or feebler against the
terror of death in this cause.

And therefore, cousin, will we essay to consider what things there
are for which we have cause in reason to master the fearful
affection and sensual. And though we cannot clean avoid it and put
it away, yet will we essay in such wise to bridle it at least that
it run not out so far like a headstrong horse that, in spite of our
teeth, it carry us out unto the devil.

Let us therefore now consider and well weigh this thing that we
dread so sore--that is, shameful and painful death.

XXII

And first I perceive well by these two things that you join unto
"death"--that is, "shameful" and "painful"--that you would esteem
death so much the less if it should come along without either shame
or pain.

VINCENT: Without doubt, uncle, a great deal the less. But yet,
though it should come without them both, by itself, I know well
many a man would be for all that very loth to die.

ANTHONY: That I believe well, cousin, and the more pity it is. For
that affection happeth in very few without the cause being either
lack of faith, lack of hope, or finally lack of wit.

Those who believe not the life to come after this, and think
themselves here in wealth, are loth to leave this life, for then
they think they lose all. And thence come the manifold foolish
unfaithful words which are so rife in our many mouths: "This world
we know, and the other we know not." And some say in sport (and
think in earnest), "The devil is not so black as he is painted,"
and "Let him be as black as he will, he is no blacker than a crow!"
with many such other foolish fancies of the same sort.

There are some who believe well enough but who, through lewdness of
living, fall out of good hope of salvation. And then I very little
marvel that they are loth to die. Howbeit, some who purpose to mend
and would fain have some time left them longer to bestow somewhat
better, may peradventure be loth to die also forthwith. And albeit
that a very good will gladly to die and to be with God would be, to
my mind, so thankful that it would be well able to purchase as full
remission both of sin and pain as peradventure he would be like to
purchase, if he lived, in many years' penance, yet will I not say
but what such a kind of lothness to die may be approvable before
God.

There are some also who are loth to die, who are yet very glad t