THE OLD MAN AND DEATH

Name: Aesop’s Fables: The Old Man and Death - The Old Man and Death
Author: Aesop

A very poor old man, footsore and bent with years, threw down the heavy bundle of firewood under which he had been groaning, and with tears in his eyes exclaimed: "Oh, hard luck! What pleasure have I ever known? Nothing but work all day- no money- no one to care for me. Alas! I’d sooner Death would take me away." Behold, the grim King of Kings stood before him, dreadful and awe-inspiring, as he rested on his scythe. "Beg pardon, but did I receive a hurry call?" The old man turned all colors and trembling like a leaf, replied, "Please, sir, would you kindly help me to lift this bundle of sticks on to my shoulder?"

We would often be sorry if

our wishes were granted.

Related Resources

Aesop

Download Options

Title: Aesop’s Fables: The Old Man and Death

Select an option:

*Note: A download may not start for up to 60 seconds.

Email Options

Title: Aesop’s Fables: The Old Man and Death

Select an option:

Email addres:

*Note: It may take up to 60 seconds for for the email to be generated.

Chicago: Aesop, Aesop’s Fables: The Old Man and Death Original Sources, accessed August 27, 2026, http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=KUBRQKXSA5L679A.

MLA: Aesop. Aesop’s Fables: The Old Man and Death, Original Sources. 27 Aug. 2026. http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=KUBRQKXSA5L679A.

Harvard: Aesop, Aesop’s Fables: The Old Man and Death. Original Sources, retrieved 27 August 2026, from http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=KUBRQKXSA5L679A.