Zubdat al-tawarikh 13: Curious work of Art.

13

One of the wonders of art which was exhibited during this year (A.H. 1003) was the work of Saiyid Husain Shirazi. He used to stand with a box in his hand, and when any one gave him a rupee he threw it into the box, and it kept on rolling until it fell to the bottom. Upon this, a parrot which was chained to it began to speak, and two fowls began also to cackle at one another. Then a small window opened, at which a panther put out its head, and let a shell fall from its mouth into a dish which was placed on a lion's head, and the shell then came out of the lion's mouth. A short time elapsed, when another window opened, and another lion came forth, took the shell in its mouth and retired, and the windows again closed. Two elephants then appeared with perfect trunks, and there were also two figures of men, who sounded drums. A rope then thrust itself forward, and again retreated, of its own accord. Two other men then advanced, and made obeisance. Shortly after, another window opened, and a puppet came forth with an ode of Hafiz in its hand, and when the ode was taken away from the puppet, it retired, and the window was closed. In short, whenever a piece of money was placed in the hands of Husain Shirazi, all these marvels were exhibited. The King first gave a gold mohur with his own hand, and witnessed the sight. He then ordered his attendants to give a rupee each. The odes which were presented were given by the King to Nakib Khan, by whom they were read out. This exhibition lasted for several nights.