Then the Vizier was asked to find some one to decipher its meaning.
Near the mosque lived a man called Selim, who was so learned that
he knew every language in the world. When the Vizier brought him to
interpret the scroll, the Caliph said to him:
"They tell me that you are a scholar and can read all languages. If
you can decipher what is written here, I shall know that it is true,
and will give you a robe of honor; but if you fail, I shall have you
punished with many strokes, because you are falsely named."
Selim prostrated himself at the feet of the Caliph, and then took the
scroll. He had not looked at it long when he exclaimed:
"My lord and master, I hope to die if this is not Latin."
"Well, if so, let us hear what it says," the Caliph impatiently
answered. Selim at once began:
"Let him who finds this box praise Allah. If he snuffs the powder it
contains, at the same time pronouncing the word 'Matabor,' he will be
transformed into any creature that he desires, and will understand the
language of all animals. When he wishes to return to his own form,
let him bow to the east three times, repeating the word 'Matabor.'
But remember if, while he is bird or beast, he should laugh, the magic
word would be forgotten, and the enchantment would be on him forever.
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