An old man was employed in cutting wood in the forest, and, in carrying the fagots into the city for sale. One day, being very wearied¹ with his long journey, he sat down by the wayside, and, throwing down his load, besought² "Death" to come. "Death" immediately appeared, in answer to his summons³, and asked for what reason he had called him. The old man replied: "That, lifting up the load, you may place it again upon my shoulders."

We do not always like to be taken at our word.