Pagina 191 di 1116

Amongst these I have one, the rarest of rarities, which I would

present to thee as an offering: keep it as a treasure in thy

treasury." "And what is in the book?" asked the King and the Sage

answered, "Things beyond compt; and the least of secrets is that

if, directly after thou hast cut off my head, thou open three

leaves and read three lines of the page to thy left hand, my head

shall speak and answer every question thou deignest ask of it."

The King wondered with exceeding wonder and shaking[FN#99] with

delight at the novelty, said, "O physician, dost thou really tell

me that when I cut off thy head it will speak to me?" He replied,

"Yes, O King!" Quoth the King, "This is indeed a strange matter!"

and forthwith sent him closely guarded to his house, and Duban

then and there settled all his obligations.