066. THE OLD MAN AND DEATH. A poor feeble old man, who had crawled out into a neighbouring wood to gather a few sticks, had made up his bundle, and laying it over his shoulders, was trudging homeward with it: but, what with age, and the length of the way, and the weight of his burden, he grew so faint and weary that he sunk under it; and as he sat on the ground, he called upon death to come, once for all, and ease him of his troubles.
Death no sooner heard him, but he came and demanded of him what he wanted. The poor old creature, who little thought Death had been so near, and frightened almost out of his senses, with his terrible aspect, answered him trembling, that having by chance let his bundle of sticks fall, and being too infirm to get it up himself, he had made bold to call upon him to help him; that indeed this was all that he wanted at present; and that he hoped his worship was not offended with him for the liberty he had taken in so doing. [more info]
Death no sooner heard him, but he came and demanded of him what he wanted. The poor old creature, who little thought Death had been so near, and frightened almost out of his senses, with his terrible aspect, answered him trembling, that having by chance let his bundle of sticks fall, and being too infirm to get it up himself, he had made bold to call upon him to help him; that indeed this was all that he wanted at present; and that he hoped his worship was not offended with him for the liberty he had taken in so doing. [more info]
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