Not a good way to die

 A sharp pain struck him suddenly and he stopped abruptly, bending far over and retching violently. He dropped to his knees, caught by a sudden weakness, and remained there, frightened at the agony. He had never known physical pain - although often hunger - and anything that robbed him of strength left him shaken, for his strength was all he had. Now, here at the end, he needed it desperately.

(from Flint, by Louis L'Amour)