There was once a sick man in a burning house, to whom there entered a
fireman.
"Do not save me," said the sick man. "Save those who are strong."
"Will you kindly tell me why?" inquired the fireman, for he was a civil
fellow.
"Nothing could possibly be fairer," said the sick man. "The strong
should be preferred in all cases, because they are of more service in the
world."
The fireman pondered a while, for he was a man of some philosophy.
"Granted," said he at last, as apart of the roof fell in; "but for the
sake of conversation, what would you lay down as the proper service of
the strong?"
"Nothing can possibly be easier," returned the sick man; "the proper
service of the strong is to help the weak."
Again the fireman reflected, for there was nothing hasty about this
excellent creature. "I could forgive you being sick," he said at last,
as a portion of the wall fell out, "but I cannot bear your being such a
fool." And with that he heaved up his fireman's axe, for he was
eminently just, and clove the sick man to the bed.