"I've looked that old scoundrel death in the eye many times but this time I think he has me on the ropes"

This quote by Douglas MacArthur speaks with the nerve and resilience of the man. He has actually encountered death lot of times, however this time around he really feels that death has the top hand. He is not scared of death, yet he understands its power as well as the inevitability of its visibility in his life. He is not giving up, yet he is acknowledging that fatality is an awesome challenger. He is not avoiding the challenge, however he is acknowledging that death is an effective force that can not be refuted. He is not worried to look fatality in the eye, yet he recognizes its power as well as the truth that it will ultimately declare him. He is not quiting, yet he is recognizing that death is a part of life and that it will eventually come for him. He is bravely dealing with fatality, however he is likewise aware of its power and the fact that it will eventually take him.