Gabriel. See note to page 24, line

27 and foll. arche immense faite d'une lame d'acier. . . . This passage is an allusion to the Sirat or bridge that man has to cross after death. The Koran does not mention it, but the Books of Traditions are very well informed on this point: " There will be a bridge sharper than the edge of a sword, finer than a hair, suspended over hell. Iron spikes on it will pierce those whom God wills. Some will pass over it in the twinkling of an eye, some like a flash of lightning, others with the speed of a swift horse. The angels will call out: ' O Lord! save and protect.' Some Mussulmans will be saved, some will fall headlong into hell."