ἀρχὴν μὲν μὴ φῦναι ἐπιχθονίοισιν ἄριστον· φύντα δ' ὅμως ὤκιστα πύλας Ἀίδαο περῆσαι → First, it is best for mortals to not be born. If born, to pass through Hades' gates as soon as possible.
cut off (see also: ἀπαμῶ, ἀπαμάω)