पृष्ठ 170 / 1116

It is said (but Allah is All knowing![FN#86]) that there was a

King of the Kings of Fars, who was fond of pleasuring and

diversion, especially coursing end hunting. He had reared a

falcon which he carried all night on his fist, and whenever he

went a chasing he took with him this bird; and he bade make for

her a golden cuplet hung around her neck to give her drink

therefrom. One day as the King was sitting quietly in his palace,

behold, the high falconer of the household suddenly addressed

him, "O King of the age, this is indeed a day fit for birding."

The King gave orders accordingly and set out taking the hawk on

fist; and they fared merrily forwards till they made a

Wady[FN#87] where they planted a circle of nets for the chase;

when lo!