Ask me some other boon: I may not grant!

Choose wiser, Nachikêtas; force me not

To quit this debt—release me from my bond!’

Then, still again spake Nachikêtas: ‘Ay!

The gods have asked this question; but, O Death!

Albeit thou sayest it is a subtle thing,

Not to be told, hard to be understood,

Yet know I none can answer like to thee,

And no boon like to this abides to ask.

I crave this boon!’”