سندبادنامه 123.18

123.18

When both were brought forward, the elephant, out of extreme hunger and need
for fodder, reached out its trunk toward the fodder. The elephant-driver said, 'Do not take the fodder; take up
the fire!' It moved to take up the fire. He said, 'Do not take it up; place your trunk on it!' It moved
to place its trunk upon it. He said, 'Do not place your trunk upon it; pay homage to the king!' The elephant paid homage to the king.
The elephant-driver kissed the ground and said, 'May the king live forever in perfection of dominion and permanence of power!
I was able to teach this elephant that which it could perform with head, neck, hands,
feet, and trunk; but that which pertained to its heart and innate nature, I was not able
to teach, for that is concealed from me, and I have no knowledge of it. Perchance it was celestial destiny
that it should rebel against the rein of the king's control; and human intellects cannot attain insight into the hidden secrets of fate
and the concealed effects of destiny. Whatever incident descends from the upper realm