Pagina 146 di 1116

But presently there came forth from the jar a smoke which spired

heavenwards into aether (whereat he again marvelled with mighty

marvel), and which trailed along earth's surface till presently,

having reached its full height, the thick vapour condensed, and

became an Ifrit, huge of bulk, whose crest touched the clouds

while his feet were on the ground. His head was as a dome, his

hands like pitchforks, his legs long as masts and his mouth big

as a cave; his teeth were like large stones, his nostrils ewers,

his eyes two lamps and his look was fierce and lowering. Now when

the Fisherman saw the Ifrit his side muscles quivered, his teeth

chattered, his spittle dried up and he became blind about what to

do.