It repairs to the man from whom it proceeded as a prayer, stands on his head, and fixes the parchment to his forehead, where it firmly remains. The bird then takes wing again, and soars round the man till it dies in the air. This parchment on the forehead of a man gives him authority over events, all obstacles yield before it, and he soon attains his wish. The parchment adheres to him till every thing written in it has been fulfilled, and then drops off. This governor of a province will retain it till his death, which it is to effect.
MAHOMET.
But I have never seen a man with a parchment on his forehead, and a bird flying round his head.
ANGEL.
These things are not subject to mortal eyes: you are now in possession of a divine sight, which I shall take from you at your return to the earth. But I have adjusted the net again,—let in another prayer.
PRAYER.
Oh God, grant that I may become emperor after the present sovereign, and I will reign with virtue and the happiness of all.
ANGEL.
This is a Greek, who begs to sit on the throne of Constantinople.