ans.'

So Selim began to translate: 'Thou who mayest find this, praise Allah
for his mercy. Whoever shall snuff the powder in this box, and at the
same time shall pronounce the word "Mutabor!" can transform himself into
any creature he likes, and will understand the language of all animals.
When he wishes to resume the human form, he has only to bow three times
towards the east, and to repeat the same word. 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 for ever.'

When Selim the learned had read this, the Caliph was delighted. He made
the wise man swear not to tell the matter to anyone, gave him a splendid
robe, and dismissed him. Then he said to his Vizier, 'That's what I call
a good bargain, Mansor. I am longing for the moment when I can become
some animal. 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.'

II.

Next morning Caliph Chasid had barely finished dressing and
breakfasting, when the Grand Vizier arrived, according to orders, to
accompany him in his expedition. 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. First they walked through the
palace gardens, but they looked in vain for some creature which could
tempt them to try their magic power. 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.

The Caliph consented, and they went straight to the pond. 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.
At the same time they saw another stork far above in the sky flying
towards the same spot.

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

'Well said,' replied the Caliph; 'but first let us remember carefully
how we are to become men once more. True! Bow three times towards the
east and say "Mutabor!" and I shall be Caliph and you my Grand Vizier
again. But for