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RV 97 (Chap. 1.) Importance to us, if we do but take a good Aim, in Things independent on Choice. But where Death, or Exile, or Pain, or Ignominy, are concerned, there is the Retreat, there, the Flutter and Fright. Hence, as it must be with those who err in Matters of the greatest Importance, what is naturally Courage, we render bold, desperate, rash, and impudent: and what is naturally Caution, timid and base, and full of Fears and Perturbations. For if a Person was to transfer Caution to Choice, and the Actions of Choice, by a Willingness to be cautious, he will, at the same time, have it in his Power to avoid [what he guards against:] but if he transfers it to Things not in our Power, or Choice, by fixing his Aversion on what is not in our own Power, but dependent on others, he will necessarily fear; he will be hurried; will be disturbed. For it is not Death, or Pain, that is to be feared; but the Fear of Pain, or Death. Hence we commend him who says:

Courage, then, ought to be opposed to Death, and Caution to the Fear of Death: whereas we, on the contrary, oppose to Death, Flight; and to our Principle concerning it, Carelessness, and Desperateness, and Indifference.

§. 3. Socrates used, very properly, to call these Things Vizards: for, as Masks appear shocking and formidable to Children, from their Inexperience; we are affected in like manner, with regard to Things, for no other Reason, than as Children are, with regard to Vizards. For what is a Child? Ignorance. What is a Child? Want of Learning: for, so far as the Knowledge of Children extends, they are not inferior to us. What is Death? A Vizard. Turn it, and be convinced. See, it doth not bite. This little body and Spirit must be sepa- rated