"What can you do in that line?" asked the prince.
"Were I to meet an opponent," said Chuang Tzŭ, "at every ten paces, I could go on for a thousand li without being stopped."
"Bravo!" cried the prince. "There is not your match in the empire."
"When I fight," continued Chuang Tzŭ, "I make a show of being weak but push a vigorous attack. The last to start, I am the first to arrive. I should like your Highness to make trial of me."
"Rest awhile," replied the prince. "Stay here and await orders. I will arrange a day for you."
Thereupon the prince spent seven days in trying his swordsmen. Some sixty of them were either killed or wounded, but at length he selected five or six and bade them attend in the audience-chamber with their swords. He then summoned Chuang Tzŭ and said, "Now I will see what your swordsmanship is worth."
"I have been longing for this," replied Chuang Tzŭ.
"Does it matter to you," asked the prince, "of what length your weapon may be?"
"Not at all," replied Chuang Tzŭ. "I have three swords, of which I will ask your Highness to choose one. We will then proceed to the trial."