Publisher's Synopsis
Caliph Harun al-Rashid goes disguised through the markets of Baghdad where he chances upon various strange encounters: a beggar who implores the caliph to strike him; a youth who spurs cruelly a mare upon which he rides. Bewildered, the caliph orders them to attend his palace so he might uncover what lies behind their odd behaviour. Back at the palace two more strangers arrive: a merchant with a mystery to solve regarding some olives; a young man with a beautiful falcon.