The day of Death better then the day of life. [ 1142]
PLato maketh mention of Agamedes and Trophonius,* 1.1 who after they had builded the Temple of Apollo Delphicus, they begged of God, that he would grant to them, that which would be most beneficiall for them; who after this suit made, went to bed, and there slept their last, being both found dead the next Morning; Whereupon it was concluded, That it was better to die then to live;* 1.2 Whilest I call things past to mind, (said that incomparable Q. Elizabeth) I behold things present; and whilest I expect things to come, I hold them happiest that go hence soonest:* 1.3 And most true it is, that Death being aeterni Natalis, the birth-day of Eternity, as Seneca at unawares calls it; And if Death like unto the gathering Hoast of Dan come last into the Field to ga∣ther the lost and forlorn hope of this World, that they may be found in a better, needs must then be the day of Death better then the day of life; Therefore as a witty* 1.4 Man closed up a paper of Verses concerning Worldly calamities, and naturall vexation••,
What then remains, but that we still should cry Not to be born, or being born, to dye?