| Share page |
|
2d |
||
|
THE STORY OF THE GREEK KING AND THE PHYSICIAN DOUBAN
In the country of Zouman, in Persia, there lived a Greek king. This king was a leper, and all his doctors had been unable to cure him, when a very clever physician named Douban came to his court.
He was very learned in all languages, and knew a great deal about herbs and medicines.
As soon as he was told of the king's illness he put on his best robe and presented himself before the king. ' Sire,' said he, ^ I know that no physician has been able yet to cure your majesty, but if you will follow my instructions, I will promise to cure you without any medicines or outward application.'
The king listened to this proposal.
' If you are clever enough to do this,' he said, ' I promise to make you and your descendants rich for ever.'
The physician went to his house and made a polo club, the handle of which he hollowed out, and put in it the drug he wished to use. Then he made a ball, and with these things he went next day to the king.
He told him that he wished him to play at polo. Accordingly the king mounted his horse and went to the place where he played. There the physician approached him with the bat he had made, saying, ' Take this, sire, and strike the ball till you feel your hand and whole body in a glow. When the remedy that is in the handle of the club is warmed by your |
||