manuscripts in his
library, though he could not read them, purchased writing and box, and
discharged the merchant. The Caliph, however, thought he would like to
know what the writing contained, and asked the Vizier if he knew any
one who could decipher it.

"Most worthy lord and master," answered he, "near the great Mosque
lives a man called 'Selim the Learned,' who understands all languages:
let him come, perhaps he is acquainted with these mysterious
characters."

The learned Selim was soon brought in. "Selim," said the Caliph to
him, "Selim, they say thou art very wise; look a moment at this
manuscript, and see if thou canst read it. If thou canst, thou shalt
receive from me a new festival-garment; if not, thou shalt have twelve
blows on the cheek, and five and twenty on the soles of the feet,
since, in that case, thou art unjustly called Selim the Learned."

Selim bowed himself and said, "Sire, thy will be done!" For a long
time he pored over the manuscript, but suddenly exclaimed, "This is
Latin, sire, or I will suffer myself to be hung."

"If it is Latin, tell us what is therein," commanded the Caliph. Selim
began to translate:--

"Man, whosoever thou mayest be that findest this, praise Allah for his
goodness! Whoever snuffs of the dust of this powder, and at the same
time says, MUTABOR, can change himself into any animal, and shall also
understand its language. If he wishes to return to the form of a man,
then let him bow three times to the East, and repeat the same word.
But take thou care, if thou be transformed, that thou laugh not;
otherwise shall the magic word fade altogether from thy remembrance,
and thou shalt remain a beast!"

When Selim the Learned had thus read, the Caliph was overjoyed. He
made the translator swear to tell no one of their secret, presented
him a beautiful garment, and discharged him. To his Grand-Vizier,
however, he said: "That I call a good purchase, Mansor! How can I
contain myself until I become an animal! Early in the morning, do thou
come to me. Then will we go together into the country, take a little
snuff out of my box, and hear what is said in the air and in the
water, in the forest and in the field."

CHAPTER II.

Scarcely, on the next morning, had the Caliph Chasid breakfasted and
dressed himself, when the Grand-Vizier appeared, to accompany him, as
he had commanded, on his walk. The Caliph placed the box with the
magic powder in his girdle, and having com