to wit, the dissolution of the soul into what is without knowledge or
sense. Now, while Epicurus would have this to be a separation into
atoms and void, he doth but further cut off all hope of immortality;
to compass which (I can scarce refrain from saying) all men and women
would be well contented to be worried by Cerberus, and to carry water
into the tub full of holes, so they might but continue in being and not
be exterminated. Though (as I said before) there are not very many that
stand in fear of these things, they being but the tenets of old women
and the fabulous stories of mothers and nurses,—and even they that do
fear them yet believe that certain rites of initiation and purgation
will relieve them, by which being cleansed they shall play and dance
in hell for ever, in company with those that have the privilege of a
bright light, clear air, and the use of speech,—still to be deprived of
living disturbs all both young and old. For it seems that we