Section 1
Once upon a time, there existed a young boy who had served as a servant for a considerable period under a gentleman from the northern region. This gentleman was an expert in brewing ale, and his craftsmanship was truly exceptional, surpassing any comparable product. When the time came for the lad to depart from his position and receive his earned wages, he declined any other form of payment except for a barrel of Yule-ale. Having obtained the keg of Yule-ale, the lad embarked on his journey, but as he continued to carry it over a considerable distance, its weight seemed to increase. Consequently, he started searching for someone with whom he could share a drink, hoping that by reducing the amount of ale inside, the keg would become lighter. Eventually, after a significant amount of time had passed, he encountered an elderly man sporting a large beard.
"Good day," greeted the man.
"Good day to you," replied the lad.
"Where are you headed?" inquired the man.
"I'm searching for someone to share a drink with and lighten my keg," explained the lad.
"Can't you have a drink with me, just as well as with anyone else?" responded the man. "I have traveled extensively, and I am both fatigued and thirsty."
"Well, why not?" responded the lad. "But please, tell me, where do you come from, and what kind of person are you?"
"I am 'Our Lord,' and I come from Heaven," replied the man.
"I won't drink with you," declared the lad, "because you create such distinctions among people in this world and distribute rights so unfairly, resulting in some becoming very rich while others remain incredibly poor. No, I refuse to drink with you." With those words, he resumed his journey with the keg.
As the lad continued a little further, the keg became excessively heavy once more. He believed he could no longer bear its weight unless he found someone to drink with, thus reducing the amount of ale inside the keg. Suddenly, his wish was granted as he encountered an unattractive, thin man who approached swiftly and energetically.
"Good day," greeted the man.
"Good day to you," replied the lad.
"Where are you headed?" asked the man.
"Oh, I'm searching for someone to have a drink with and lighten my keg," explained the lad.
"Can't you have a drink with me, just as well as with anyone else?" said the man. "I have traveled extensively, and I am tired and thirsty."
"Well, why not?" said the lad. "But who are you, and where do you come from?"
"Who am I? I am the Devil, and I come from Hell; that's where I come from," replied the man.’
"No!" exclaimed the lad. "You only cause suffering and torment for the poor, and whenever there is any unhappiness, they always attribute it to you. I refuse to drink with you."
Thus, he continued his journey, going far and even farther with the keg on his back until he felt it had become unbearably heavy. Once again, he began scanning his surroundings, hoping to find someone with whom he could share a drink and lighten his keg. After a considerable amount of time had passed, another man appeared. He appeared incredibly thirsty and emaciated, to the point that it was astonishing his bones still held together.
"Good day," greeted the man.
"Good day to you," replied the lad.
"Where are you headed?" asked the man.
"Oh, I was just searching for someone to have a drink with so that my keg could be lightened a bit. It has become quite heavy to carry," explained the lad.
"Can't you have a drink with me, just as well as with anyone else?" said the man.
"Yes, why not?" responded the lad. "But what kind of person are you?"
"They call me Death," said the man.
"The perfect companion," declared the lad. "I'm delighted to drink with you." With those words, he placed the keg down and started pouring the ale into a bowl. "You are an honest and fair person, treating everyone equally, regardless of their wealth or poverty."
They toasted each other's health, and both the lad and Death enjoyed the drink immensely. Death expressed his admiration for the exceptional taste of the ale, and due to the lad's fondness for Death's company, they continued drinking bowl after bowl until the ale diminished and the keg became noticeably lighter.
