The King in Yellow

by Robert W. Chambers

  DESTINY

  I came to the bridge which few may pass.

  "Pass!" cried the keeper, but I laughed, saying, "There is time;" and hesmiled and shut the gates.

  To the bridge which few may pass came young and old. All were refused.Idly I stood and counted them, until, wearied of their noise andlamentations, I came again to the bridge which few may pass.

  Those in the throng about the gates shrieked out, "He comes too late!"But I laughed, saying, "There is time."

  "Pass!" cried the keeper as I entered; then smiled and shut the gates.