سندبادنامه 161.11

161.11

5 The Story of the Householder, the Wife, and the Parrot
The vizier said: “May the life of the just king endure in perfect fortune and all-encompassing felicity,
and may God, exalted and glorified, be his guardian and helper! It is related that in past months and departed years, a man had a wife who would follow satanic whisperings
and comply with corrupt carnal impulses, treading unknown paths of lust and greed,
and carrying on love affairs with downy-cheeked youths and handsome beardless lads. Now this man possessed a parrot,
eloquent and clever, master of tongues and articulate. Whatever occurred in the house of good or evil, of benefit
or harm, it would report all of it and disclose the events and happenings. One night,
a friend prepared a banquet and observed every elegance and ceremony fitting for agreeable friends and true brothers.
The man asked permission of his wife, and at the time of departure
he went before the parrot’s cage and said: “O wakeful sentinel, and O vigilant guard!
You must increase your watchfulness and guarding tonight, and draw the collyrium of wakefulness over your sight until the hour of dawn;
observe with a penetrating eye and sharp attention, and know whatever comes to pass,