Once upon a time there was a great king whose ministers and gover­nors and followers did not honor him. Now he had raised a falcon from a chick and trained it to hunt. It ate of his food and dwelled in his bosom because he loved it so greatly. In the third year of his reign he wedded and made a feast for all his ministers and attendants, his horsemen and his riders, and he placed the falcon in front of him to display it. The falcon saw an eagle flying to take a fluttering chick, and the falcon grew enraged and flew aloft and trod the eagle underfoot. Then it returned to its master the king, thinking he would approve of his deed. But the king stretched out his hand and took him and twisted his neck.

All the ministers were astounded and said nothing but were very upset. Then the king said to them: “Do not be angry or feel distressed at heart. It is abiding law that none shall act against the anointed one and escape unharmed. For the eagle wears the crown of majesty and rules over all creatures that bear wing and is the king of all who fly. Anyone who rebels against him will have his head crushed. And let that law prevail against every man who holds his king in low esteem!”

Then those who were present were amazed at his cunning and wis­dom, and he was feared by all who dwelt in his kingdom.

Kaftor va-Ferach 25 (1322)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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