A LOSING GAME
ONCE in a tavern Man met face to skull with Death. Man entered gaily but Death gave no greeting, he sat with his jowl morosely over an ominous wine.
"Come, come," said Man, "we have been antagonists long, and if I were losing yet I should not be surly."
But Death remained unfriendly watching his bowl of wine and gave no word in answer.
Then Man solicitously moved nearer to him and, speaking cheerily still, "Come, come," he said again, "you must not resent defeat."
And still Death was gloomy and cross and sipped at his infamous wine and would not look up at Man end would not be companionable.
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