🧚 Opening, part 9 · page 2

“I got these two articles from a merchant who had picked them up in the street at Mecca,” said the pedler.67 “I do not know what they may contain, but as they are of no use to me, you are welcome to have them for a trifle.”68

The Caliph, who liked to have old manuscripts in his library, even though he could not read them, purchased the scroll and the box, and dismissed the pedler.69 Then, being anxious to know what might be the contents of the scroll, he asked the Vizier if he did not know of anyone who might be able to decipher it.70

“Most gracious lord and master,” replied the Vizier, “near the great Mosque lives a man called Selim the learned, who knows every language under the sun. Send for him; it may be that he will be able to interpret those mysterious characters.”71

The learned Selim was summoned immediately.72

“Selim,” said the Caliph, “I hear you are a scholar.73 Look well at this scroll and see whether you can read it.74 If you can, I will give you a robe of honor; but if you fail, I will order you to receive twelve strokes on your cheeks, and five-and-twenty on the soles of your feet, because you have been falsely called Selim the learned.”75

Selim prostrated himself and said, “Be it according to your will, oh master!”76 Then he gazed long at the scroll.77 Suddenly he exclaimed: “May I die, oh, my Lord, if this isn’t Latin!”78

“Well,” said the Caliph, “if it is Latin, let us hear what it means.”79

So Selim began to translate: “Thou who mayest find this, praise Allah for his mercy.80 Whoever shall snuff the powder in this box, and at the same time pronounce the word ‘Mutabor!’ can transform himself into any creature he likes, and will understand the language of all animals.81 When he wishes to resume the human form, he has only to look three times toward the east, and to repeat the same word.82 Be careful, however, when wearing the shape of some beast or bird, not to laugh, or thou wilt certainly forget the magic word and remain an animal forever.”83

When Selim the learned had read this the Caliph was delighted.84 He made the wise man swear not to tell the matter to anyone, gave him a splendid robe, and dismissed him.85 Then he said to the Vizier, “That’s what I call a good bargain, Mansor.86 I am longing for the moment when I can become some animal.87 To-morrow morning I shall expect you early; we will go into the country, take some snuff from my box, and then hear what is being said in air, earth, and water.”88

II.89

Next morning Caliph Chasid had barely finished dressing and breakfasting when the Grand Vizier arrived, according to orders, to accompany him on his expedition.90 The Caliph stuck the snuff-box in his girdle, and, having desired his servants to remain at home, started off with the Grand Vizier only in attendance.91 First they walked through the palace gardens, but they looked in vain for some creature which would tempt them to try their magic powder.92 At length the Vizier suggested going further on to a pond which lay beyond the town, and where he had often seen a variety of creatures, especially storks, whose grave, dignified appearance and constant chatter had often attracted his attention.93

The Caliph consented, and they went straight to the pond.94 As soon as they arrived they remarked a stork strutting up and down with a stately air, hunting for frogs, and now and then muttering something to itself.95 At the same time they saw another stork far above in the sky flying toward the same spot.96

“I would wager my beard, most gracious master,” said the Grand Vizier, “that these two long-legs will have a good chat together.97 How would it be if we turned ourselves into storks?”98

“Well said,” replied the Caliph; “but first let us remember carefully how we are to become men once more.99 Bow three times toward the east and say ‘Mutabor!’ and I shall be Caliph and you my Grand Vizier again.100 But for Heaven’s sake don’t laugh or we are lost.”101

As the Caliph spoke he saw the second stork circling round his head and gradually flying towards the earth.102 Quickly he drew the box from his girdle, took a good pinch of the snuff, and offered one to Mansor, who also took one, and both cried together “Mutabor!”103

Instantly their legs shriveled up and grew thin and red; their smart yellow slippers turned to clumsy stork’s feet.104 Their arms to wings; their necks began to sprout from between their shoulders and grew a yard long; their beards disappeared, and their bodies were covered with feathers.105

“You’ve got a fine long bill, Sir Vizier,” cried the Caliph, after standing for some time lost in astonishment.106 “By the beard of the Prophet I never saw such a thing in all my life!”107

“My very humble thanks,” replied the Grand Vizier, as he bent his long neck; “but if I may venture to say so, your Highness is even handsomer as a stork than as a Caliph.108 But come, if it so pleases you, let us go near our comrades there and find out whether we really do understand the language of storks.”109

Meantime the second stork had reached the ground.110 It first scraped its bill with its claw, stroked down its feathers, and then advanced towards the first stork.111 The two newly made storks lost no time in drawing near, and to their amazement overheard the following conversation:112

“Good-morning, Dame Longlegs.113 You are out early this morning!”114

“Yes, indeed, dear Chatterbill!115 I am getting myself a morsel of breakfast.116 May I offer you a joint of lizard or a frog’s thigh?”117

“A thousand thanks, but I have really no appetite this morning.118 I am here for a very different purpose.119 I am to dance to-day before my father’s guests, and I have come to the meadow for a little quiet practice.”120

Thereupon the young stork began to move about with the most wonderful steps.121 The Caliph and Mansor looked on with surprise for some time; but when at last she balanced herself in a picturesque attitude on one leg, and flapped her wings gracefully up and down, they could hold out no longer; a prolonged peal burst from each of their bills, and it was some time before they could recover their composure.122 The Caliph was the first to collect himself.123 “That was the best joke,” said he, “I’ve ever seen.124 It’s a pity the stupid creatures were scared away by our laughter, or no doubt they would have sung next!”125