Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/140

124 to try their magic power. At length the Vizier suggested going further on to a pond which lay beyond the town, and where he had often seen a variety of creatures, especially storks, whose grave, dignified appearance and constant chatter had often attracted his attention.

The Caliph consented, and they went straight to the pond. As soon as they arrived they remarked a stork strutting up and down with a stately air, hunting for frogs, and now and then muttering something to itself. At the same time they saw another stork far above in the sky flying toward the same spot.

"I would wager my beard, most gracious master," said the Grand Vizier, "that these two long-legs will have a good chat together. How would it be if we turned ourselves into storks?"

"Well said," replied the Caliph; "but first let us remember carefully how we are to become men once more. Bow three times toward the east and say 'Mutabor!' and I shall be Caliph and you my Grand Vizier