A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

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The Kohen stared at me as I said this with the look of one who was
quite puzzled; and I then went on to speak of the fate that was before
us, and to entreat his sympathy and his aid that we might be saved
from so hideous a doom. To all these words the Kohen listened with an
air of amazement, as though I were saying incomprehensible things.
"You have a gentle and an affectionate nature," I said--"a nature full
of sympathy with others, and noble self-denial."
"Of course," said the Kohen, quickly, as though glad to get hold of
something which he could understand, "of course we are all so, for we
are so made. It is our nature. Who is there who is not self-denying?
No one can help that."
This sounded strange indeed; but I did not care to criticize it. I
came to my purpose direct and said,
"Save us from our fate."
"Your fate?"
"Yes, from death--that death of horror."
"Death?--horror? What do you mean by horror?" said the Kohen, in an
amazement that was sincere and unfeigned. "I cannot comprehend your
meaning. It seems as though you actually dislike death; but that is
not conceivable. It cannot be possible that you fear death."
"Fear death!" I exclaimed, "I do--I do. Who is there that does not
fear it?"
The Kohen stared.
"I do not understand you," he said.
"Do you not understand," said I, "that death is abhorrent to
humanity?"
"Abhorrent!" said the Kohen; "that is impossible. Is it not the
highest blessing? Who is there that does not long for death? Death is
the greatest blessing, the chief desire of man--the highest aim. And