Contrast with that well-known piece the robust attitude of a classic Christian theology, stated by the sometime dean of St. Paul’s, John Donne: Death be not proud, though some have callèd thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; For those who thou think’st thou dost overthrow Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me. From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be, Much pleasure—then, from thee much more must flow; And soonest our best men with thee do go, Rest of their bones, and soul’s delivery. Thou’rt slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men, And dost with poison, war,
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