To die is all as common as to live: The...

AUDLEY.

To die is all as common as to live:

The one ince-wise, the other holds in chase;

For, from the instant we begin to live,

We do pursue and hunt the time to die:

First bud we, then we blow, and after seed,

Then, presently, we fall; and, as a shade

Follows the body, so we follow death.

If, then, we hunt for death, why do we fear it?

If we fear it, why do we follow it?

If we do fear, how can we shun it?

If we do fear, with fear we do but aide

The thing we fear to seize on us the sooner:

If we fear not, then no resolved proffer

Can overthrow the limit of our fate;

For, whether ripe or rotten, drop we shall,

As we do draw the lottery of our doom.

Shakespeare, William, Edward III, Act 4, Sc. 4.