The hoopoe answered: “This.—I perch where’er I will.
From my seat I look down like plumbline on the ground,
And see if hidden water under it is found;
Where is it; at what depth; what are its qualities;
Whence takes its rise; from rock, sand, clay’s varieties.335
O Solomon, whene’er thou send’st thy armies forth,
Me call to mind; my skill is surely notice worth.”
To him replied then Solomon: “Esteemed good friend,
Thee I will name Purveyor-General on land.
Whene’er my troops go forth, through sandy deserts sent,