A Life for a Life
The English author, Richard Savage, was once living in London in great poverty. To earn a little money, he had written the story of his life. However, not many copies of the book had been sold, and Savage was living from hand to mouth. Due to lack of food, he became very ill. After a time, owing to the skill of the doctor who attended him, he recovered.
After a week or two, the doctor sent Savage a bill for his visits, but poor Savage had no money and could not pay it. The doctor waited another month and sent the bill again, but still received no payment. After several weeks, he sent it once more. Finally, he went to Savage's house and demanded payment, saying, "You know you owe your life to me, and I expected some gratitude from you."
"I agree," said Savage, "that I owe my life to you. To prove I am not ungrateful for your work, I will give my life to you."
With these words, he handed the doctor two volumes entitled The Life of Richard Savage.