To the pains of the body he often adds the tortures of the conscience; and at these times his haggard protestations form, in regard to the human deathbed, a dreadful parody or parallel.

Sylla hath vowed, whose vows the heavens record, Whose oaths have pierc'd and search'd the deepest vast, Ay, and whose protestations reign on earth: This capitol, wherein your glories shine, Was ne'er so press'd and throng'd with scarlet gowns As Rome shall be with heaps of slaughtered souls, Before that Sylla yield his titles up.