The Green Fairy Book

nd after each sip he stroked his long beard with an air of enjoyment. In short, anyone could see that the Caliph was in an excellent humour. This was, in fact, the best time of day in which

om, with an anxious face. The Caliph withdrew his pipe for a moment

ms on his breast and bent low b

wn below, in the court of the palace, is a pedlar with such beautiful thi

ox containing all manner of wares-strings of pearls, rings, richly mounted pistols, goblets, and combs. The Caliph and his Vizier inspected everything, and the Caliph chose some handsome pistols for himself and Mansor, and a jewelled comb for the Vizier's wife. Just as the pedlar was

treet at Mecca,' said the pedlar. 'I do not know what they may contain, b

ased the scroll and the box, and dismissed the pedlar. Then, being anxious to know what might be the co

s a man called Selim the learned, who knows every language under the sun. Send f

lim was summon

f you can, I will give you a robe of honour; but if you fail, I will order you to receive twelve strokes on your

will, oh master!' Then he gazed long at the scroll. Suddenly

, 'if it is Latin, let

an 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,

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-morr