It happened that the Caliph Haroun al Rashid and his trusted companion and Vizier Ja’far al Barmaki were out carousing one evening.

They had before them a kingly assortment of fruits, nuts, sweet melons, honeyed pastries and great decanters of wine which they drank with enthusiasm.

“It is known to me,” said the Caliph, “that you are desirous of a certain slave-girl that I have recently acquired. She is of exceeding beauty, with the eyes of a gazelle and hair of silk.”

“This is true,” replied the Vizier. “I have watched the girl admiring her many qualities; her fine singing ability, cleverness and her familiarity with the poets. And as you say, she is quite fair to look on.”

“I am prepared to give this girl to you,” said the Caliph, “if you will perform a small task for me.”

“O Commander of the Faithful, you are too generous,” came the Vizier’s reply. “What must I do?”

“It is said that among the Greeks there is one who has the art to bring statues of men to life. I wish to bring him here to my court.”