Against self-slaughter There is a prohibition so divine That cravens my weak hand.

And the more pity that great folk should have count'nance in this world to drown or hang themselves more than their even-Christen.

Bravest at the last, She levelled at our purposes, and being royal, Took her own way.

Britannia's shame! There took her gloomy flight, On wing impetuous, a black sullen soul . . . Less base the fear of death than fear of life. O Britain! infamous for suicide.

If suicide be supposed a crime, it is only cowardice can impel us to it. If it be no crime, both prudence and courage should engage us to rid ourselves at once of existence when ...

Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life Cuts off so many years of fearing death.

You ever-gentle gods, take my breath from me; Let not my worser spirit tempt me again To die before you please.