In the country of Zouman, in Persia, there lived a Greek king. This
king was a leper, and all his doctors had been unable to cure him, when
a very clever physician came to his court.
He was very learned in all languages, and knew a great deal about herbs
and medicines.
As soon as he was told of the king's illness he put on his best robe
and presented himself before the king. "Sire," said he, "I know that
no physician has been able to cure your majesty, but if you will follow
my instructions, I will promise to cure you without any medicines or
outward application."
The king listened to this proposal.
"If you are clever enough to do this," he said, "I promise to make you
and your descendants rich for ever."
The physician went to his house and made a polo club, the handle of
which he hollowed out, and put in it the drug he wished to use. Then
he made a ball, and with these things he went the next day to the king.
He told him that he wished him to play at polo. Accordingly the king
mounted his horse and went into the place where he played. There the
physician approached him with the bat he had made, saying, "Take this,
sire, and strike the ball till you feel your hand and whole body in a
glow. When the remedy that is in the handle of the club is warmed by
your hand it will penetrate throughout your body. The you must return
to your palace, bathe, and go to sleep, and when you awake to-morrow
morning you will be cured."