A poor feeble old Man, who had crawled from his cottage into a
neighbouring wood to gather a few sticks, had made up his bundle, and
laying it over his shoulders, was trudging homewards; but what with
age, and the length of the way, he grew so faint and weak, that he sunk
under it, and as he sat upon the ground, called upon Death to come once
for all and ease him of his troubles. Death no sooner heard him, than
he came and demanded what he wanted? The poor old Creature, who little
thought Death was so near, frightened almost out of his senses with his
terrible aspect, answered him trembling, That having by chance let his
bundle of sticks fall, and being too infirm to get it up himself, he
had made bold to call upon him to help him; and he hoped his worship
was not offended with him for the liberty he had taken in craving his
assistance.