An Old Man, bent double with age and toil, was gathering sticks in a forest. At last he grew so tired and hopeless that he threw down the bundle of sticks, and cried out: “I cannot bear this life any longer. Death come and take me!”
As he spoke, Death appeared and said to him: “What do you want Old Man? I heard you call me.”
“Please, sir,” replied the Old Man, “would you kindly help me lift this load of sticks on to my shoulder?”
***
“We would often be sorry if our wishes were granted.”