It was as though the lamp which had burnt low was filled suddenly with a new and purer oil.
"'Man,' said mine adversary, and I thought that in his cold eyes there was something like a smile, 'did you think to touch Murgh and live?
Did you think to wrestle with him as in a book of one of your prophets a certain Jacob wrestled with an angel, and conquered--until it was his turn to pass the Gate of the Gods ?' "Now I stared at this dweller in Cathay, who spoke my tongue and knew the tale of Jacob in the ancient Book, then answered: "'Sir Murgh, or Sir Gate, or whatever your name may be, I thought to do nothing.

You drew me to you, you challenged me and, since by the rule of my Order I may refuse no challenge from one who is not a Christian, I came on to do my best.

But before ever I laid hand on you I was cast down by a wind.

That is all the story, save that it has pleased you to let me live, who evidently could have slain me, for which I thank you.' "'You are wrong, Sir Andrew,' he answered, 'I did not draw you to me.
Men come to Murgh at their appointed hour; Murgh does not come to them.
You sought him before your hour, and therefore he refused you.

Yet you will meet him again, as all flesh must when its hour comes, and because you are bold and have not cringed before my strength, for your comfort I will show you when and how.