The falcon next arrived proudly, and came to unveil the secret of the mysteries before the assembly of birds. He made a show of his military equipment and of the hood that covers his head. He said: “I, who desire to rest upon the king’s hand, look not upon other creatures; I cover my eyes with a hood, so that I may set my foot upon the king’s hand. I have been brought up in the greatest decorum, and practise abstinence like the penitents, so that, when one day I am brought before the king, I may render exactly the service required of me. Why should I wish to see the Simurgh, even in a dream? Why should I hasten rashly to go to Him? I am content to be fed by the king’s hand: His court is enough for me in this world. I feel no inclination to take part in the proposed journey; I am sufficiently honoured by the king’s hand. He who enjoys the king’s favour obtains what he desires. Now, to make myself pleasing to the king, I need only take flight across boundless valleys. Thus, I desire nothing but to pass my life joyfully in this condition, now beside the king, now going hunting at his command.”
The hoopoe said to him: “O thou who art sensitive to outward things, without concerning thyself with essential qualities, and who hast remained attached to form! Know that if the king had an equal in his kingdom, such sovereignty would not befit him. The Simurgh is the being whom sovereignty befits, because He is unequalled in power. He is no king who wantonly does his will in a country; but the king is he who has no equal, and who is faithful and conciliatory. Though the king of the world is often just, yet sometimes he gives himself over to injustice! The closer one is to him, the more delicate, no doubt, one’s position; one is ever afraid of displeasing the king; life itself is often in danger. The king of the world may be likened to fire; keep far from him, for that is better than drawing near. It is good to live far from kings, O thou who hast lived among them! Know this well.”