[25] And now maybe I have said enough of this.

As for my body, when I am dead, I would not have you lay it up in gold or silver or any coffin whatsoever, but give it back to the earth with all speed.

What could be more blessed than to lie in the lap of Earth, the mother of all things beautiful, the nurse of all things good?
I have been a lover of men all my life, and methinks I would fain become a part of that which does good to man.

[26] And now," he added, "now it seems to me that my life begins to ebb; I feel my spirit slipping away from those parts she leaves the first.

If you would take my hand once more, or look into my eyes while life is there, draw near me now; but when I have covered my face, let no man look on me again, not even you, my sons.