What does it mean to handle a fever well? Don't blame God or other people. Don't get upset about what's happening. Face the possibility of death with dignity. Do what needs to be done. When the doctor visits, don't panic at what he says. And if he says you're doing well, don't get too excited. What good news has he really given you? When you were healthy, what good was that to you anyway? And if he says you're in bad shape, don't lose hope. What does it mean to be sick? It means you're close to the separation of soul and body. What's harmful about that? If you're not close to it now, won't you be close to it later anyway? Is the world going to fall apart when you die? So why do you flatter the doctor? Why do you say 'Please, sir, tell me I'll be fine'? Why give him a chance to act important?
What is it to bear a fever well? Not to blame God or man; not to be afflicted at that which happens, to expect death well and nobly, to do what must be done: when the physician comes in, not to be frightened at what he says; nor if he says you are doing well, to be overjoyed. For what good has he told you? and when you were in health, what good was that to you? And even if he says you are in a bad way, do not despond. For what is it to be ill? is it that you are near the severance of the soul and the body? what harm is there in this? If you are not near now, will you not afterwards be near? Is the world going to be turned upside down when you are dead? Why then do you flatter the physician? Why do you say if you please, master, I shall be well? Why do you give him an opportunity of raising his eyebrows (being proud; or showing his importance)?