She replied, “The reed-pen.”[[443]] Quoth he, “What doth the poet refer to in these verses:—
Two vests in one; blood flowing easiest wise; ✿ Rosy red ears and mouth wide open lies;
It hath a cock-like form, its belly pecks ✿ And, if you price it, half a dirham buys.”
She replied, “The ink-case.” Quoth he, “And in these:—
Ho say to men of wisdom, wit and lore ✿ To sapient, reverend, clever counsellor:
Tell me what was’t you saw that bird bring forth ✿ When wandering Arab-land and Ajam o’er?
No flesh it beareth and it hath no blood, ✿ Nor down nor any feathers e’er it wore.
‘Tis eaten cooked and eke ‘tis eaten cold; ✿ ‘Tis eaten buried ‘neath the flames that roar:
It showeth two-fold colours, silver white ✿ And yellow brighter than pure golden ore:
‘Tis not seen living or we count it dead: ✿ So ree my riddle rich in marvel-store!”