1. The angel Uriel, who had been sent to me, replied,
2. “You can't even understand what happens in this world. Do you think you can understand the ways of God Most High?”
3. “Yes, sir, I do!” I answered.The angel continued, “I have been sent to ask you to solve three riddles about what happens in this world.
4. If you can explain even one of them to me, I will answer your questions about God's ways and teach you why the human race has an evil impulse.”
5. “I agree, sir,” I said.Then he said to me, “Good! How do you weigh out a kilogramme of fire? How do you measure a cubic metre of wind? How do you bring back a day that has passed?”