Ad finem ubi perveneris, ne velis reverti

When you have nearly completed any business in which you are engaged, do not through weariness, or inconstancy, leave it unfinished, but persist to the end; else all the time, labour, and expense that have been bestowed upon the work, will be lost, and you will lose your character likewise; or when you perceive yourself about to die, with patience and courage submit to your fate, and do not weakly and foolishly wish for an extension of your life, in the vain hope that you should live more rationally. «Hell», we say, «is full of good meanings and wishes». «O mihi praeteritos referat, si Jupiter annos!» You knew that the term of your life was uncertain, and should long since have entered on the course you now propose to begin, but which, if the opportunity were given, you would probably neglect as heretofore.