Long, long ago, when time was measured by the trickle of sand, there ruled a wise and goodly king named Solomon.
It so happened that the birthday of King Solomon's wife was approoaching, and the one gift - the only gift - the queen fancied was a palace made from the beaks of birds.
"And so you shall have one," said Solomon, who dearly loved his wife. He sent word that all the feathered creatures in his kingdom were to assemble before him in a week.
When that day arrived, the air was filled with the noise of beating wings, squawks and hoots and chirps. Birds of every kind had answered Solomon's call...
