see the soul,
whether she stays or whether she departs. [21] Consider," he went on,
"how these two resemble one another, Death and his twin-brother Sleep,
and it is in sleep that the soul of a man shows her nature most divine,
and is able to catch a glimpse of what is about to be, for it is then,
perhaps, that she is nearest to her freedom. [22] Therefore, if these
things are as I believe, and the spirit leaves the body behind and is
set free, reverence my soul, O sons of mine, and do as I desire. And
even if it be not so, if the spirit must stay with the body and perish,
yet the everlasting gods abide, who behold all things, with whom is
all power, who uphold the order of this universe, unmarred, unaging,
unerring, unfathomable in beauty and in splendour. Fear them, my sons,
and never yield to sin or wickedness, in thought or word or deed. [23]
And after the gods, I would have you reverence the whole race of man,
as it renews itself for ever; for the gods have not hidden you in the
darkness, but your deeds will be manifest in the eyes of all mankind,
and if they be righteous deeds and pure from iniquity, they will blazon
forth your power: but if you meditate evil against each other, you will
forfeit the confidence of every man. For no man can trust you, even
though he should desire it, if he sees you wrong him whom above all
you are bound to love. [24] Therefore, if my words are strong enough to
teach you your duty to one another, it is well. But, if not, let history
teach you, and there is no better teacher. For the most part, parents
have shown kindness to their children and brothers to their brothers,
but it has been otherwise with some. Look, then, and see which conduct
has brought success, choose to follow that, and your choice will be
wise. [25] And now maybe I have said enough of this. As for my body,
when I am dead, I would not have you lay it up in gold or silver or any
coffin whatsoever, but give it back to the earth with all speed. What
could be more blessed than to lie in the lap of Earth, the mother of all
things beautiful, the nurse of all things good? I have been a lover of
men all my life, and methinks I would fain become a part of that which
does good to man. [26] And now," he added, "now it seems to me that my
life begins to ebb; I feel my spirit slipping away from those parts she
leaves the first. If you would take my hand once more, or look into my
eyes while life is there, draw near me now; but when