from ancient sages, just as many people now learn from us. The course of operation in this world' is that benefit accrues to one person from another. Thus the learned of Persia acquired the sciences of astrology and astronomy from the sages of India, and in the same way the children of Israel got the sciences of magic and enchantment from Solomon, the son of David."

After that a person appeared in the last rank, robust in form, wearing a long beard, and looking with earnest faith towards the sun. The King asked who he was; and the wazír said he was a Khurásání. The King directed that he should be told to mention some few facts about himself. Accordingly, in obedience to the command, he said, “ Praise be to God, who has given us many kinds of blessings and distinctions. He has made our country to excel all countries in the extent of its prosperity, and by the mouth of His prophet He has introduced our praise into the Divine Word. Thus there are many verses of the Kurán which bear testimony to our eminence and virtues. Verily, praise is due to Him who has given to us a faculty of religion greater than to any other men. Because among us there are many who read the Bible and Gospel, although they do not understand the meaning of them, and besides, they consider the prophetic power of the Lords Moses and Jesus to be a verity. And some read the Kurán, although they do not understand its import; but still they acknowledge in their hearts the religion of the prophet of the latter days. We put on mourning garments in sorrow for Imám Husain, and we exacted the requital of blood from those who caused him to be slain; and from His grace we are hopeful that the appearance of the Imam of the latter days will be in our country."

The King looked towards the sages and said, “What reply have you to make to this man, who has vaunted

1 Kár-khána—lit., workshop.

2 The Imám Mahdi.

his glory and dignity?" A sage said, "If they had not been fornicators, adulterers, and cruel men, and had not worshipped the sun and moon, then these matters would indeed have been a ground of boast." When all the men had finished stating their respective dignities and talents, the court attendants cried aloud, "Gentlemen, the evening has now come; you are dismissed; attend again in the morning."

ΟΝ

CHAPTER XIX.

On the matters of the Lion.

N the third day, as all the men and animals were standing in ranks before the King, he looked towards them all, and the jackal appeared in the front. He asked, "Who art thou?" and he replied, "I am the representative of the animals." The king said, “Who sent thee?” and he said, "The Lion Abú'l Háris sent me." He said, "What country does he dwell in? and who are his subjects?" The jackal said, "He dwells in the woods and wilds, and all beasts and cattle are his subjects." He asked. "Who are his allies?" The jackal said, "The hunting leopard, the hog-deer, the stag, the hare, the fox, and the wolf, all are his friends and allies." The king said, "Describe his figure and character.” The jackal said, "He is bigger in form than all animals, and superior in strength; in awe and dignity he surpasses all; his bosom is broad, his waist fine, his head large, his fetlocks strong, his teeth and claws hard, his voice loud, and his form terrific. No man or animal is able, through fear, to go in front of him. He is upright in every matter, and has no want of friends and allies for any business. He is so generous that when he has taken prey he divides it among all animals, and he himself eats according to his necessity. When he sees a light from a distance he goes and stands near it, and then his rage abates. He rends neither woman nor child. He has a great liking and love of music. He is afraid of nothing except the ant, for this insect prevails over him and

his offspring, like as the gnat prevails over elephants and bulls, and the fly over man." The King said, "What sort of treatment does he exhibit towards his subjects?" He said, "He shows great kindness and attention to his subjects;" and after this he said, "I will set forth at length his peculiarities."

CHAPTER XX.

Account of the Dragon (Súbán) and Sea-serpent (Tinnín).

AFTER that the King cast his regards on the right hand

and on the left, when suddenly a voice fell upon his ear. He perceived the locust imparting motion to his two wings, and singing with an exceedingly soft voice. He asked him who he was, and he replied, "I am the representative of all the worms and ants, and their king sent me hither." He asked him who he (the king) was, and where he dwelt, and he answered, "His name is Dragon; he dwells upon high hills and mountains near the region of cold, where there are no clouds or rain, and no vegetation at all. Animals perish there from the severity of the cold." The King asked who were his army and subjects, and he said, "All snakes, scorpions, &c., are his army and subjects, and they live in every place upon the face of the earth." The King asked why he had separated from his army and subjects, and had gone to live upon such an acclivity. He answered, "Because there is a poison in his mouth, from the heat of which all his body burns. Through the coldness of the icy region he dwells there in comfort." The King told him to describe his appearance and character. He answered, "His appearance and character are exactly like those of the sea-serpent."

The King said, "Does any one know the qualities of the sea-serpent so as to describe them?" The locust said, “The frog, who is the ambassador of the aquatic animals, is in attendance in the presence; deign to inquire of him." The