How we cite our quotes: Act.Scene
Quote #1
Giov. What do the dead do, uncle? do they eat,
Hear music, go a-hunting, and be merry,
As we that live?Fran. No, coz; they sleep.
Giov. Lord, Lord, that I were dead!
I have not slept these six nights. When do they wake?Fran. When God shall please. (3.2)
Technically, Giovanni and Francisco are supposed to be Catholics, but Francisco departs from the Catholic view of death. According to Church doctrine, the dead don't sleep after death—rather, they enjoy the "beatific vision" of God until the resurrection occurs. The idea that the dead are in a state of unconsciousness or sleep until the resurrection is called "Adventism."
Quote #2
Brach. …O thou strong heart!
There 's such a covenant 'tween the world and it,
They 're loath to break. (5.3)
Brachiano really does love the world and all the pleasure he can extract from it. So naturally, separating from life is like a painful divorce for him—especially since he thinks he's going to hell, and sees the devil on his deathbed.
Quote #3
Brach. O thou soft natural death, that art joint-twin
To sweetest slumber! no rough-bearded comet
Stares on thy mild departure; the dull owl
Bears not against thy casement; the hoarse wolf
Scents not thy carrion: pity winds thy corse,
Whilst horror waits on princes'. (5.3)
Brachiano does not get to enjoy "a soft natural death"— he's reserved for the horror. In fact, there are very few characters in the play who seem destined for a peaceful, sane, and sacred demise—maybe Cornelia or Giovanni?