My interpretation of 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' scene where the dice are thrown and the Mariner is awarded to Nightmare Life in Death. Took a few liberties with the descriptions of Death and Nightmare Life in Death. In the original poem Death is lady skelton and Nightmare though attractive is deathly pale. Growing up this was required reading in school but going around the country I was surprised that it was not required in most places. Its long so if you want the short version check out Iron Maiden's adaptation..... 7 some minutes is faster then reading this one folks. Its a poem.....its a novel...its both. Are those her ribs through which the sun Did peer, as through a grate? And is that Woman all her crew? Is that a Death? and are there two? Is Death that Woman's mate? Her lips were red, her looks were free, Her locks were yellow as gold: Her skin was as white as leprosy, The Nightmare Life-in-Death was she, Who thicks man's blood with cold. The naked hulk alongside came, And the twain were casting dice; `The game is done! I've won! I've won!' Quoth she, and whistles thrice.