A very long time ago in a faraway country there lived a benevolent king who surrounded himself with servants of the highest caliber. And one particular servant, his name was Jabez, did one thing on a daily basis and did it well. He had been delegated from a boy to purchase the choicest foods from the local market, and return said culinary resources to the head chef.
And thus, on such and such a day Jabez set off for a nearby town. And thus, as he was putting a pomegranate into his basket, he looked up and found himself peering into the dread face of
…Death!
Without so much as a word Jabez dropped the almost full basket, and ran as fast as his legs could carry him back to the palace. Upon arriving he reported immediately to the king.
“Well, Jabez. You’re quick to return to the palace. Have you already completed your purchases?”
To which his good servant exclaimed,
“Oh King. Please, you must help me. While I was in the marketplace I came face to face with Death, himself. You simply must allow me to borrow your horse and escape to the city of Samarra.”
And without the slightest hesitation, the king made arrangements for Jabez to borrow his horse.
Having taken care of the matter, King Aliphaz summoned his best soldiers, and ordered them to escort him to town; for he would get to the bottom of this apparent affront against his servant.
Arriving in town, the king began looking for that vile creature called Death. And having found him, he challenged him.
“Oh Death, my servant was shopping in the marketplace, and claimed that you threatened him.
To which Death replied,
“Oh no, dear King. I did not threaten your servant. I was just surprised to see him. For you see, I have an appointment with him tonight
…in the city of Samarra.
by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending
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