9. Melito’s Story – The Cock, the Angel, and the Eagle

Melito offers his tale to win Foila in marriage.  He describes a farmer and his practice of grooming animals by combat.  On this farm, a rooster reigns.

One day, an owl attempts to snatch away the rooster’s favorite wife.  The rooster fends off the attack, saves his hen, and becomes immensely prideful.  Perched atop the roof of the barn, the rooster pronounces himself champion over all feathered creatures.

In a burst of light, an angel descends and challenges the rooster to battle.  The rooster offers three excuses to avoid combat, but each is countered by the angel.