It is the immediate inspiration of confidence; it alleviates pain, because we know by that smile that pain is soon to leave us; it becomes the bulwark against our depressive thoughts of death; and it is the promise that we still have a long way to go before we reach the Great Terminal.
In passing, why do we fear death?
For our sins?
Rather, isn't it the tremendous inherent human curiosity to know what is going to happen to-morrow that causes us to wince at the thought of annihilation?
A subconscious resentment against the idea of entering darkness while our neighbour will proceed with his petty affairs as usual?
"It's nip and tuck," said the doctor; "but we'll pull him through.
Probably his first serious bout with John Barleycorn.

If he had eaten food, this wouldn't have happened.

It is not a dissipated face." "No; it is only--what shall I say ?--troubled.

The ragged edge." "Yes.

This is also the ragged edge of the world, too.