Two wishes 
by Gibran Khalil Gibran



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 spectre, 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 harbour; 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."