But when I reached it, the door stood open still; the bread and the water were still on the table; and deep silence was within and around it.

I stopped and called aloud at the door, but no voice replied, and I went my way.
A little farther, I came where sat a grayheaded man on the sand, weeping.
"What ails you, sir ?" I asked.

"Are you forsaken ?" "I weep," he answered, "because they will not let me die.

I have been to the house of death, and its mistress, notwithstanding my years, refuses me.

Intercede for me, sir, if you know her, I pray you." "Nay, sir," I replied, "that I cannot; for she refuses none whom it is lawful for her to receive." "How know you this of her?
You have never sought death! you are much too young to desire it!" "I fear your words may indicate that, were you young again, neither would you desire it." "Indeed, young sir, I would not! and certain I am that you cannot." "I may not be old enough to desire to die, but I am young enough to desire to live indeed! Therefore I go now to learn if she will at length take me in.