Jules Verne,
Five Weeks in a Balloon — Chapter Twenty-Third…
(1873)
“ May he pay for me the debt of gratitude that I owe to you!""You must still hope," replied Kennedy. "This is but a passing fit of weakness. You will not die. How could any one die on this beautiful summer night?""Death is at hand," replied the missionary, "I know it! Let me look it in the face! Death, the commencement of things eternal, is but the end of earthly cares. Place me upon my knees, my brethren, I beseech you!"Kennedy lifted him up, and it was distressing to see his weakened limbs bend under him. ”
