A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

128
those who procure the death of the largest number. You, with your
pretended fear of death, wish to meet it in battle as eagerly as we
do, and your most renowned men are those who have sent most to death."
To this strange remark I had no answer to make.
The air out at sea now grew chillier. The Kohen noticed it also, and
offered me his cloak, which I refused. He seemed surprised, and
smiled.
"You are growing like one of us," said he. "You will soon learn that
the greatest happiness in life is to do good to others and sacrifice
yourself. You already show this in part. When you are with Almah you
act like one of the Kosekin. You watch her to see and anticipate her
slightest wish; you are eager to give her everything. She, on the
other hand, is equally eager to give up all to you. Each one of you is
willing to lay down life for the other. You would gladly rush upon
death to save her from harm, much as you pretend to fear death; and so
I see that with Almah you will soon learn how sweet a thing death may
be."
"To live without her," said I, "would be so bitter that death with her
would indeed be sweet. If I could save her life by laying down my own,
death would be sweeter still; and not one of you Kosekin would meet it
so gladly."
The Kosekin smiled joyously.
"Oh, almighty and wondrous power of Love!" he exclaimed, "how thou
hast transformed this foreigner! Oh, Atam-or! you will soon be one of
us altogether. For see, how is it now? You pretend to love riches and
life, and yet you are ready to give up everything for Almah."
"Gladly, gladly!" I exclaimed.
"Yes," he said, "all that you have--you would gladly lavish on her,
and would rejoice to make yourself a pauper for her sweet sake. You
also would rejoice equally to give up life for her. Is it not so?"
"It is," said I.