Reflections on Life and Death

In the Face of Death children. But before they can see and rejoice in their children’s future death drags them off to their own future—the eternal Hereafter—for which they had made no preparation at all. People build magnificent houses, hoping to live there in comfort, but even before they can enter their dream-houses, death grabs them away from them. People struggle to become as economically rich as they can, thinking that this will carry them to the pinnacle of honour and progress, but very soon they learn that what awaits them is just a cold, silent grave.

In the Face of Death L ouis XI (1423-83), Emperor of France, did not want to die, and so, towards the end of his life, he began living in a closed fort, which very few people were permitted to enter. A deep moat was dug all around the fort so that no one could come close to him. 40 archers stood on the walls of the fort at all times, while 40 horsemen patrolled the fort, day and night. The Emperor had declared that if anyone tried to enter the fort without permission, he should be killed at once. Inside the fort, all sorts of luxuries were made available for the Emperor to enjoy so that he would never feel sad. Louis XI was so keen on staying alive that he ordered that the word ‘Death’ must not be uttered in his presence!