Shibli Bagarag knotted the brows of impatience, crying, 'Hast thou forgotten Karaz in thy calculations? I know of a surety what this Sword will do, and I wot the oil he distilleth strengtheneth Shagpat but against common blades. Yet shall it not be spoken of me, Shibli Bagarag, that I was tripped by my own conceit; the poet counselleth:
"When for any mighty end thou hast the aid of heaven, Mount until thy strength shall match those great means which are given":
nor that I was overthrown in despising mine enemy, forgetful of the saying of the sage:
"Read the features of thy foe, wherever he may find thee,
Small he is, seen face to face, but thrice his size behind thee."
Wullahy! this Karaz is a Genie of craft and resources, one of a mighty stock, and I must close with Shagpat to be sure of him; and that I am not deceived by semblances, opposing guile with guile, and guile deeper than his, for that he awaiteth it not, thinking I have leaped in fancy beyond the Event, and am puffed by the after-breaths of adulation, I!—thinking I pluck the blossoms in my hunger for the fruit, that I eat the chick of the yet unlaid egg, O Feshnavat. As is said, and the warrior beareth witness to the wisdom of it:
"His weapon I'll study; my own conceal;
So with two arms to his one shall I deal."
The same also testifieth:
"'Tis folly of the hero, though resistless in the field,
To stake the victory on his steel, and fling away the shield."
And likewise:
"Examine thine armour in every joint,
For slain was the Giant, and by a pin's point."