Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/59

Rh "Dost thou know where the entrance to yonder building is situated?"

"Mighty King! By thy life I assure thee that I know not where the entrance is. May be that my brother, who is four hundred years older than I am, can tell thee. His nest is a little beyond mine."

Once more Solomon told the sea eagle to bring this old bird before him. "Do not forget," he added, "to carry it if it cannot fly." It was brought before the King, and like its brother and sister it was praising God.

After their mutual greeting Solomon inquired, —

"How old art thou?"

"I am one thousand and three hundred years old."

"What is thy name?"

"My father called me Alta-'amar."

"Hast thou seen any entrance to this building here?"

"By thy head, wise King! I know it not, but well do I remember my late father speaking of its golden door. This was situated on the side looking towards sunset. Owing to the time that has passed since it was last opened, when it admitted a mighty King, it has been covered over by the sand of the desert. For this reason it is now hidden from view. If it please thee, wise Solomon, let thy command go forth that the sand shall disappear.