robe of honor; but if you fail, I shall have you
punished with many strokes, because you are falsely named."

Selim prostrated himself at the feet of the Caliph, and then took the
scroll. He had not looked at it long when he exclaimed:

"My lord and master, I hope to die if this is not Latin."

"Well, if so, let us hear what it says," the Caliph impatiently
answered. Selim at once began:

"Let him who finds this box praise Allah. If he snuffs the powder it
contains, at the same time pronouncing the word 'Matabor,' he will be
transformed into any creature that he desires, and will understand the
language of all animals. When he wishes to return to his own form,
let him bow to the east three times, repeating the word 'Matabor.'
But remember if, while he is bird or beast, he should laugh, the magic
word would be forgotten, and the enchantment would be on him forever."

The Caliph was delighted with the knowledge of Selim. He made him
a splendid present, and told him to keep the secret. When he had
dismissed the learned man, he turned to the Grand Vizier, and
expressed a wish to try the powder.

"Come to-morrow morning early," said he, "and we will go together to
the country and learn what the animals are talking about."

The Vizier came as he was ordered, and they left the palace without
attendants. Beyond the town was a large pond where some handsome
storks were often seen, and to this place they presently came. A grave
and stately stork was hunting for frogs, while another flew about and
kept him company.

"Most gracious lord," said the Vizier, "what think you of these
dignified long legs, and how would you like to know their chatter?"

The Caliph replied that the stork had always interested him, and he
would very much like a more intimate acquaintance. Taking the box from
his girdle, he helped himself to a pinch of snuff and offered it to
the Vizier, who followed his example.

Together they cried "Matabor," and instantly their beards disappeared,
and feathers covered their bodies; their necks stretched out long and
slender, and their legs shriveled into red and shapeless sticks. The
Caliph lifted up his foot to stroke his beard in astonishment, but
found a long bill in its place.

"By the beard of the Prophet, since I have not one of my own to swear
by, but we are a pretty pair of birds, Mansor!"

"If I may say so, your Highness, you are equally handsome as a
stork as when you were a Caliph," replied the