He
That kills himself t' avoid misery, fears it,
And at the best shows but a bastard valor:
This life's a fort committed to my trust,
Which I must not yield up, till it be forced;
Nor will I: he's not valiant that dares die,
But he that boldly bears calamity.
_The Maid of Honor_. P. MASSINGER.
All mankind
Is one of these two cowards;
Either to wish to die
When he should live, or live when he should die.
_The Blind Lady_. SIR E. HOWARD.
Against self-slaughter
There is a prohibition so divine
That cravens my weak hand.
_Cymbeline, Act_ iii. _Sc_. 4. SHAKESPEARE.