Two Wishes

In the silence of the night Death descended from God toward the earth. He hovered
above a city and pierced the dwellings with his eyes. He say the spirits floating on
wings of dreams, and the people who were surrendered to the Slumber.
When the moon fell below the horizon and the city became black, Death walked silently
among the houses -- careful to touch nothing -- until he reached a palace. He entered
through the bolted gates undisturbed, and stood by the rich man's bed; and as Death
touched his forehead, the sleeper's eyes opened, showing great fright.

When he saw the specter, he summoned a voice mingled with fear and anger, and
said, "God away, oh horrible dream; leave me, you dreadful ghost. Who are you? How
did you enter this place? What do you want? Leave this place at once, for I am the lord
of the house and will call my slaves and guards, and order them to kill you!"

Then Death spoke, softly but with smoldering thunder, "I am Death. Stand and bow!"
The man responded, "What do you want? What have you come here when I have not
yet finished my affairs? What see you from strength such as mine? Go to the weak
man, and take him away!
"I loathe the sight of your bloody paws and hollow face, and my eyes take sick at your
horrible ribbed winds and cadaverous body."

After a moment of fearful realization he added, "No, No, oh merciful Death! Mind not
talk, for even fear reveals what the heart forbids.
"Take a bushelful of my gold, or a handful of my slave's souls, but leave me. I have
accounts with Life requiring settling; I have due from people much gold; my ships have
not reached the harbor; my demand, but spare my life. Death, I own harems of
supernatural beauty; your choice is my gift to you. Give heed, Death -- I have but one
child, and I love him dearly for he is my only joy in this life. I offer supreme sacrifice --
take him, but spare me!"
Death murmured, "You are not rich, but pitifully poor." Then Death took the hand of
that earthly slave, removed his reality, and gave to the angels the heavy task of correction.

And Death walked slowly amidst the dwellings of the poor until he reached the most
miserable he could find. He entered and approached a bed upon which a youth slept
fitfully. Death touched his eyes; the lad sprang up as he saw Death standing by, and,
with a voice full of love and hope he said, "Here I am, my beautiful Death. Accept my
soul, for you are the hope of my dreams. Be their accomplishment! Embrace me, oh
beloved Death! You are merciful; do not leave me. You are God's messenger; deliver
me to Him. You are the right hand of Truth and the heart of Kindness; do not neglect me.
"I have begged for you many times, but you did not come; I have sought you, but you
avoided me; I called out to you, but you listened not. You hear me now -- embrace my
soul, beloved Death!"

Death placed his softened hand upon the trembling lips, removed all reality, and
enfolded it beneath his wings for secure conduct. And returning to the sky, Death
looked back and whispered his warning:
"Only those return to Eternity
Who on earth seek out Eternity."

Khalil Gibran