Vizier. "I see our two
relations are conversing over there; shall we join them?"

When they came near to where the storks were smoothing their
feathers and touching bills in the most friendly manner, this was the
conversation they overheard, "Will you have some of my frog's legs for
breakfast, Dame Yellowlegs?" "No, thank you; I am obliged to practise
a dance for my father's guests, and cannot eat." Thereupon Dame
Yellowlegs stepped out, and began to pose most gracefully. The Caliph
and the Vizier watched her, until she stood on one foot and spread
her wings; then they both, at the same time, burst into such peals of
laughter that the two storks flew away.

Suddenly, however, the Vizier ceased his mirth, and commenced bowing
to the east. The Caliph recovered himself and did the same, but
neither could think of the magic word.

"Mansor, just recall that unholy word, and I will become Caliph once
more, and you my Grand Vizier. I have had enough of being a bird for
one day."

"Most gracious lord, that dancing stork has undone us, for, since
laughing at her antics, I cannot remember the word that will restore
us to human shape."

So at last, in despair, the two unhappy birds wandered through the
meadows. They appeased their hunger with fruits, for they could not
bring themselves to eat frogs and lizards. As they dared not return to
Bagdad and tell the people their chagrin, they flew over the city, and
had the satisfaction of seeing signs of mourning and confusion. In a
few days, however, while sitting on the roof of a house, they saw a
splendid procession coming up the street, and the people welcoming the
new ruler. "Hail! Hail Mirza, ruler of Bagdad!" they shouted.

The procession came nearer. At the head of it the Caliph saw a man
dressed in scarlet and gold, riding a handsome horse. He at once
recognized the new ruler as the son of his worst enemy.

"Behold," said he, "the explanation of our enchantment! This is
the son of Kaschnur, the magician, who is my great enemy, who seeks
revenge. Let us not lose hope, but fly to the sacred grave of the
Prophet and pray to be released from the spell."

They at once spread their wings and soared away toward Medina, but not
being accustomed to such long flights, they soon became fatigued and
descended to a ruin which stood in a valley below. The two enchanted
birds decided to remain there for the night; then wandered through
the deserted rooms and corridors, which gave of