The Old Man and Death

by Aesop

AN OLD MAN was employed in cutting wood in the forest, and in carrying the fagots into the city for sale. One day, being very wearied with his long journey, he sat down by the wayside, and, throwing down his load, besought Death to come. Death immediately appeared, in answer to his summons, and asked for what reason he had called him. The old man replied: That, lifting up the load, you may place it again upon my shoulders.

Moral:
We do not always like to be taken at our word.