"We are to understand that the Phrygian language was the first of all
languages," was the answer. "These children are learning it just as
the first people who lived on the earth learned it in the beginning."
"Therefore," said the king, "must we conclude that the Phrygians were
the first and oldest of all the nations?"
"Certainly," answered the wise man.
And from that time the Egyptians always spoke of the Phrygians as being
of an older race than themselves.
This was an odd way of proving something, for, as every one can readily
see, it proved nothing.
A LESSON IN HUMILITY
One day the caliph, Haroun-al-Raschid, [Footnote: Haroun-al-Raschid
(_pro._ ha roon' al rash'id).] made a great feast. The feast was
held in the grandest room of the palace. The walls and ceiling
glittered with gold and precious gems. The table was decorated with
rare and beautiful plants and flowers.
All the noblest men of Persia [Footnote: Per'sia.] and Arabia
[Footnote: A ra'bi a.] were there. Many wise men and poets and
musicians had also been invited.
In the midst of the feast the caliph called upon the poet, Abul Atayah,
[Footnote: A'bul Ata'yah.
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