Letter 65: To the General Zeno,

To the General Zeno, To be struck by the misfortunes common to our nature is the lot of every person. To endure them bravely and rise above their assault is no longer common -- it belongs to those with resolution. This is why we admire the philosophers who chose the noblest course of life and conquered their sorrows through wisdom. And philosophy is the work of our power of reason, which governs the passions rather than being dragged about by them. Grief is one of these human ills, and it is grief I urge your excellency to overcome. It will not be difficult for you to rise victorious over this feeling if you reflect on two things: human nature itself, and the uselessness of sorrow. For what good does it do the departed if we wail and grieve? When you remember his noble birth, the long years of your friendship, his distinguished military service, and his celebrated achievements -- reflect also that the man adorned by all these things was, like all of us, subject to the law of death. Reflect further that everything is ordained by God, who guides human affairs according to his sacred knowledge of what will serve our good. I have written what the limits of a letter allow. But I earnestly ask your eminence, for all our sakes, to take care of your health. Health is sustained by good spirits and destroyed by despondency. It is out of concern for all of us who depend on you that I have written this letter.

Letter 65