Pagina 159 de 1116

Then he set to work at choosing the fittest drugs and simples and

he fashioned a bat hollow within, and furnished with a handle

without, for which he made a ball; the two being prepared with

consummate art. On the next day when both were ready for use and

wanted nothing more, he went up to the King; and, kissing the

ground between his hands bade him ride forth on the parade

ground[FN#81] there to play at pall and mall. He was accompanied

by his suite, Emirs and Chamberlains, Wazirs and Lords of the

realm and, ere he was seated, the sage Duban came up to him, and

handing him the bat said, "Take this mall and grip it as I do;

so! and now push for the plain and leaning well over thy horse

drive the ball with all thy might until thy palm be moist and thy

body perspire: then the medicine will penetrate through thy palm

and will permeate thy person.