There is nothing strictly immortal, but immortality. Whatever hath no beginning may be confident of no end.

Be deaf unto the suggestions of tale-bearers, calumniators, pick-thank or malevolent detractors, who, while quiet men sleep, sowing the tares of discord and division, distract the tranquillity of charity and all friendly society. These are the tongues that set the world on fire--cankerers of reputation, and, like that of Jonah's gourd, wither a good name in a single night.

Half our days we pass in the shadow of the earth; and the brother of death exacteth a third part of our lives.

Gravestones tell truth scarce forty years.

Man is a noble animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave.

But man is a Noble Animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave, solemnizing Nativities and Deaths with equal lustre, nor omitting Ceremonies of Bravery, in the infamy of his nature. Life is a pure flame, and we live by an invisible Sun within us.

I am not so much afraid of death, as ashamed thereof, 'tis the very disgrace and ignominy of our natures.