The role of fate in our lives is a mystery.There is an old fable about fate that involves the story of a merchant in ancient Baghdad who sent his servant to the market to buy supplies. When the servant returned he was hysterical: "Master, Master! As I walked through the market I saw Death. He peered at me in such a way I knew he had come for me here. Lend me a fast horse so I may flee to Samarra. He will not find me there. The merchant agreed and the servant galloped off. Later the merchant went to the market and he too saw Death. He asked Death: "Why did you come here for my servant?" Death replied: "I didn’t. I was surprised to see him since I have a date with him tonight in Samarra."