Philosophical Works of Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Vol. 4

he handles it, while he thrusts the sword into his sacred breast, while he scatters his entrails, and draws forth with his hand that most holy soul, unworthy to be contaminated by iron. Thence I might believe that the wound was not sufficiently certain and effective; it was not enough for the immortal Gods to watch Cato once: his virtue was held back and recalled, so that it might show itself in a more difficult part. For death is not approached with such great spirit as it is repeated. Why would they not gladly watch their alumnus, escaping by so clear and memorable an end? Death consecrates those whose end even those who fear it praise.