One day the peacock came through the gates of Paradise. This bird with the feathers of emeralds and pearls was not only the most beautiful creature God had made, but it had also been endowed with a sweet and clear voice, wherewith it daily sang the praises of God in the highways of Eden. This beautiful bird, thought Eblis, when he saw it, is surely vain, and will listen to the voice of flattery. Thereupon he addressed it as a stranger, beyond the hearing of Ridhwan. “Most beautiful of all birds, do you belong to the denizens of Paradise?” “Certainly,” answered the peacock. “And who are you who look from side to side in fear and trembling?” “I belong to the Cherubim who praise God night and day, and I have slipped out of their ranks without being observed, that I might take a glimpse of the Paradise God has prepared for the saints. Will you hide me under your feathers, and show me the garden?” “How shall I do that which may draw down on me God’s disfavour?” asked the peacock. “Magnificent creature! take me with you. I will teach you three words which will save you from sickness, old age, and death.” “Must then the dwellers in Paradise die?” “All, without exception, who know not these three words.” “Is this the truth?” “By God the Almighty it is so.” The peacock believed the oath, for it could not suppose that a creature would swear a false oath by its Creator. But, as it feared that Ridhwan would search it on its return through the gates, it hesitated to take Eblis with it, but promised to send the cunning serpent out, who would certainly devise a means of introducing Eblis into the garden. The serpent was formerly queen of all creatures. She had a head like rubies, and eyes like emeralds. Her height was that of a camel, and the most beautiful colours adorned her skin, and her hair and face were those of a beautiful maiden. She was fragrant as musk and amber; her food was saffron; sweet hymns of praise were uttered by her melodious tongues; she slept by the waters of the heavenly river Kaulhar; she had been created a thousand years before man, and was Eve’s favourite companion. This beautiful and wise creature, thought the peacock, will desire more even than myself to possess perpetual youth and health, and will gladly admit the cherub for the sake of hearing the three words. The bird was not mistaken; as soon as it had told the story, the serpent exclaimed: “What! shall I grow old and die? Shall my beautiful face become wrinkled, my eyes close, and my body dissolve into dust? Never! rather will I brave Ridhwan’s anger and introduce the cherub.” The serpent accordingly glided out of the gates of Paradise, and bade Eblis tell her what he had told the peacock. “How shall I bring you unobserved into Paradise?” asked the serpent. “I will make myself so small that I can sit in the nick between your front teeth,” answered the fallen angel.[69] “But how then can I answer when Ridhwan addresses me?”