expression
so content one would not mind dying; one can now rest in peace; one ought to be contented with what has been accomplished
Idiomatic expression conveying a deep sense of fulfillment or satisfaction, often used when someone feels they have achieved enough in life to die without regret. Can be used literally or hyperbolically.
この景色を見られただけで、以て瞑すべしだ。
Just being able to see this view, I could die content.
彼は「これで以て瞑すべし」と言って、静かに息を引き取った。
He said, 'Now I can rest in peace,' and quietly passed away.
本望 is a noun meaning 'one's heart's desire' or 'dying wish,' often used in phrases like 本望だ (it's what I wanted). 以て瞑すべし is a full expression emphasizing contentment to the point of being ready to die.
This phrase means 'to have no regrets' or 'nothing left undone,' while 以て瞑すべし specifically implies a state of satisfaction so profound that death would be acceptable.
The expression combines 以て (もって, 'with' or 'by means of') and 瞑すべし (めいすべし), an archaic volitional form of 瞑する (to close one's eyes, a euphemism for dying). The overall meaning is 'with this, one should close one's eyes,' i.e., one can die content.