FAB. LXIX. The Old Man and Death.

GRoaning under the weight of a heavy burden of Wood, which he was bringing home from the Forrest, came a poor Ancient Man, whose strength and spirits being almost spent with the tediousness of the Journey, and great∣ness of his load, he threw it down in the middle of his way; and sitting on the ground, in the very anguish of his Soul, he called often on Death Page  67 to come to him; when behold Death in an af∣frightful shape appeared, asking what he would have, that he called so earnestly on him? The good man trembling with fear, thought fit, at that time, to dissemble the matter; I only wish∣ed, answered he, for your coming to help me up with my heavy Faggot.

Many dare wish for Death, and seem to contemn it, who are yet affrighted when 'tis represented to them in imminent Dangers. Plerique inter mortis metum, says Seneca, & vitae tormenta miseri fluctuant, & vivere nolunt, & mori nesciunt. Many wretched Men struggle between the Fear of Death and the Torments of an unhap∣py Life; they are unwilling to live, yet know not how to dye. Benche stia vn' Huomo in gran pericolo, say the Italians, non mai vorria mo∣rire. Tho a Man happen to be in great affliction, yet will he not be content to dye. Melior est ca∣nis vivus, Leone mortuo.