Dynasties

Death comes to all creatures, but to man, twice -- in that he can think of it. (...And therein lies salvation: not to think of it, once you realize its mental nature.)

Royal and mystical dynasties survive by transcending the physical limitations of genetic bloodlines. The more conscious can be no more dependent on their ancestors than they are on death and their progeny.

                Do you not stand alone -- you perish.

                (That is the only mental law known to the hero.)

The deranged prince climbed to the top of his father's castle, and threw himself from the highest window, into his own waiting arms below.

The Reminder:
To live heroically is not a matter of strength, but of alertness.                                                                        

If you die passively, you go down in defeat,

if you die unyieldingly, you go out heroically.

Now for the concept of death, substitute that of ignorance,

and you've got it.

The King asked the Royal Myth-Maker: "Is it possible to make the mystical hero sound too cold blooded and indifferent?"  And the scribe poked the monarch in the ribs, chuckling: "Aw -- get outta here, old dear."

J.