An Old Man cut himself a bundle of faggots in a wood and started to carry them home. He had a long way to go, and was tired out before he had got much more than half-way. Casting his burden on the ground, he called upon Death to come and release him from his life of toil. The words were scarcely out of his mouth when, much to his dismay, Death stood before him and professed his readiness to serve him. He was almost frightened out of his wits, but he had enough presence of mind to stammer out, “Good sir, if you'd be so kind, pray help me up with my burden again.”
有一个老人在森林里砍了一捆柴，背着回家。路途很远，他还没走到一半就累坏了。他把背上的柴扔到地上，召唤死神，好让自己快点解脱。话刚刚出口，就令他大吃一惊，死神出现在他面前，准备为他效劳。他大惊失色，不知所措，结结巴巴地说：“先生，既然你如此善良，那求求你帮我把柴再背起来吧。”