Mahmud of Ghazna and the woodcutter, from a copy 
of Farid al-Din al-Attar's Mantiq al-Tayr (The Conference of the Birds), 
15th century. Illuminated manuscript, approximately 6 x 3" (15 x 8 cm).

Although Mahmud of Ghazna was an historical figure, he made the 
transition from history to legend, and all sorts of stories concerning his courage, 
generosity, and wisdom became attached to him retrospectively. This is one of 
the many short, improving tales inserted in Farid al-Din al-Attar's mystical poem 
The Conference of the Birds. Mahmud, out hunting, is not recognized by the 
woodcutter, and gives the latter a hand when his overloaded donkey collapses. In
a subsequent meeting the wood seller recognizes the mighty ruler. When Mahmud,
famously generous, tries to buy the wood for a good price, the wood seller demands
even more, claiming that his wood must sell for a lot of money now, since it had been
touched by such an auspicious ruler.