1Each to his own: I think him most happy who enjoys the foretaste of a good and lasting fame, and, sure of posterity, lives with the glory that is to come. 1And for my part, if the prize of immortality were not before my eyes, I would be content with that rich and deep leisure. 2For I believe that all men ought to think either of their immortality or of their mortality, and that the former should strive and exert themselves, the latter rest and relax, and not weary a short life with perishable labours, as I see many come, through a wretched and thankless semblance of industry, to hold themselves cheap.
3This I say to you, as I say it every day to myself, so that I may stop saying it to myself if you disagree; 3although you will not disagree, since you are always pondering something glorious and immortal. 3Farewell.