AN OLD MAN was employed in cutting wood in the forest, and, in carrying the faggots to the city for sale one day, became very wearied with his long journey. He sat down by the wayside, and throwing down his load, besought “Death” to come. “Death” immediately appeared in answer to his summons and asked for what reason he had called him. The Old Man hurriedly replied, “That, lifting up the load, you may place it again upon my shoulders.”
年とった男が森で木を切る仕事をしていた。ある日、たきぎのたばを売りに町へ運んでいく途中、男は長い道のりにすっかりつかれてしまった。男は道ばたにすわりこみ、荷物を投げ出して、「死神」に来てくれと願った。「死神」はその呼びかけにこたえてすぐさまあらわれ、何のために呼んだのかとたずねた。老人はあわてて答えた。「この荷物を持ち上げて、もう一度わしの肩にのせてもらおうと思いましてな」