Death's Messengers

In ancient times, a giant was walking along a great highway. Suddenly, a stranger jumped out in front of him and said, “Stop! Not one step farther!” “What!” shouted the giant. “A tiny creature I could crush between my fingers wants to block my way?

Who are you, to speak so boldly?” “I am Death,” answered the stranger. “No one can resist me, and you must obey me too.” But the giant refused and started a fight with Death. The battle was long and fierce.

Finally, the giant got the upper hand and punched Death to the ground. Death lay there, defeated and too weak to get up. “What will happen now?” Death thought. “If I stay lying here, no one will die in the world.

It will get so full of people that there won’t be room to stand!”

Soon a young man came walking down the road. He was strong and healthy, singing a song and looking around happily. When he saw Death lying there, barely conscious, he felt sorry for him. He lifted Death up, gave him a strengthening drink from his flask, and waited until he recovered.

“Do you know who I am?” asked Death as he stood up. “No,” said the young man. “I am Death,” said the stranger. “I spare no one, and I can make no exception for you. But because you helped me, I promise that I will not come for you without warning.

I will send my messengers first, so you will know when I am near.” “That’s good,” said the young man. “At least I’ll know when you’re coming and be safe for a while.” He went on his way, light-hearted and carefree, enjoying life without a worry.

But youth and health did not last long. Soon sickness and sorrow came. They tormented him by day and stole his rest at night. “I won’t die yet,” he told himself, “because Death promised to send messengers first.

But I wish these miserable sick days were over.” When he felt better, he started living happily again. Then one day, someone tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around and saw Death standing behind him. “Follow me,” said Death. “Your time has come.” “What?” cried the man. “You broke your promise!

You said you would send messengers before coming yourself, but I saw none!” “Quiet!” said Death. “Did I not send you one messenger after another? Did fever not come and shake you? Did dizziness not make your head spin? Did gout not twist your limbs? Did your ears not buzz?

Did toothache not bite into your cheeks? Did your eyes not go dark? And every night, did my brother Sleep not remind you of me? Did you not lie as if you were already dead?” The man could not answer. He accepted his fate and went with Death.