“Dost thou not know,” the lad said, wonderingly,
“How near was Death to thee a moment since?”
The Boy, now fully aroused, smiled at the lad
All kindly, as a loving father smiles
Upon his child that waked him unaware,
Whose sleep nor storm nor clatter could affect,
Yet at the touch of little baby hands
Opens wide his eyes, that twinkle joyfully.
“No nearer to grim Death,” the Boy replied,
“Was I than thou, my friend, art near it now.